Butterfly diversity survey begins at Silent Valley National Park

The Kerala Forests and Wildlife Department and the Malabar Natural History Society began a butterfly survey at Silent Valley National Park in Palakkad. About 50 researchers, enthusiasts and trained volunteers are taking part. Teams are surveying 14 locations in the park and its buffer areas.

The survey will identify species, prepare a checklist and study butterfly distribution across different heights and habitats. Teams will also record host plants, feeding flowers, mud-puddling behaviour and seasonal changes in activity. The park’s 2022–32 management plan records 205 butterfly species; the survey aims to add information for future research, monitoring and conservation.

Notable Points

• Elevation and habitats: Silent Valley’s habitats change with elevation. Valley areas have tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests. Above 1,000 metres are montane rain forests, while above 1,500 metres evergreen forest gives way to shola forest and open grassland.