Why was Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary renamed Aralam Butterfly Sanctuary?

It was renamed to highlight and enhance conservation efforts for the extraordinary butterfly diversity found there, making it Kerala's first butterfly sanctuary.

How many butterfly species are in Aralam Butterfly Sanctuary?

A remarkable 266 butterfly species have been identified in the Aralam Butterfly Sanctuary, out of the 327 known species in Kerala.

What is significant about the butterfly migrations in Aralam?

Aralam has witnessed mass migrations of butterflies, with sightings of thousands, and even over eight lakh Albatross butterflies on a single day in January 2025.

Home / Environment / Kerala's First Butterfly Sanctuary Takes Flight

Kerala's First Butterfly Sanctuary Takes Flight

8 Jan

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Summary

Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary is now Aralam Butterfly Sanctuary.
266 out of Kerala's 327 butterfly species found here.
Mass migrations of thousands of butterflies sighted.

Kerala's First Butterfly Sanctuary Takes Flight

The Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala's Kannur district has been officially designated as the Aralam Butterfly Sanctuary, establishing it as the state's first sanctuary of its kind. This significant renaming underscores the area's rich ecological importance and its vast butterfly populations.

This designation follows a recommendation by the State Board for Wildlife, acknowledging the sanctuary's remarkable biodiversity. Over the past 25 years, surveys have identified 266 butterfly species within Aralam, a substantial portion of the 327 species recorded in Kerala. Notable sightings include mass migrations of thousands of butterflies.

The 55 sq km sanctuary, established in 1984, is vital for conserving butterfly species. It also supports other wildlife and is crossed by the Cheenkanni river. The new status is expected to enhance conservation strategies for butterflies and their habitats.