Karimpuzha Sanctuary's Biodiversity Booms

Karimpuzha Wildlife Sanctuary has seen a substantial increase in its documented biodiversity following a recent faunal survey. Conducted between January 22 and 25, the survey by the State Forest department, with support from local ecological societies, recorded an impressive array of species. This included 171 bird species, 177 butterfly species, and 42 species of odonates, many of which are new to the sanctuary.

Notable additions include eight new bird species, such as the Grey heron and Barn owl, raising the total bird count to 247 species since the sanctuary's formation five years ago. Butterfly diversity also expanded significantly, with 20 new species identified, bringing the total to 223. Researchers also observed interesting altitudinal butterfly migration patterns.

Further discoveries encompassed seven new odonate species, increasing the sanctuary's odonate count to 63. The survey also noted various moths, spiders, and freshwater fish, with mammal sightings underscoring the sanctuary's ecological health. This data is vital for future conservation and habitat protection efforts.