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Vazhachal Forest Reveals 26 New Species
10 Mar
Summary
- 26 new species documented in Vazhachal wildlife division.
- Survey spanned diverse habitats from dry deciduous to evergreen forests.
- Notable sightings include rare butterflies, birds, and hornbills.
An intensive faunal survey in Kerala's Vazhachal wildlife division has revealed the presence of 26 species new to the area. This significant discovery underscores the rich biodiversity within this crucial Western Ghats corridor. The survey, a collaboration between the Kerala Forest department and the Travancore Nature History Society (TNHS), took place from February 26 to March 1.
Experts and forest staff conducted the survey across varied habitats, from dry deciduous to evergreen forests. Using a multi-taxa approach, they documented numerous species of butterflies, birds, odonates, spiders, and ants. The findings highlighted 175 butterfly species, including 13 new additions, and 187 bird species, with 10 new records.
Furthermore, the survey reported healthy populations of Great Hornbill, Malabar Grey Hornbill, and Malabar Pied Hornbill, indicating the integrity of the forest canopy. The presence of these hornbills emphasizes the importance of the division's fruiting tree networks. The survey also identified 45 odonate species, three of which were new to the division, alongside substantial arthropod diversity.
