The Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala is set to be officially declared the state’s first butterfly reserve, with a formal announcement expected at the next State Wildlife Board meeting chaired by the Chief Minister. This new status will spotlight Aralam as a critical habitat for butterfly conservation and bolster its role in eco-tourism and nature education.
Established in 1984, Aralam has been a long-time favourite among butterfly watchers. Since 2000, annual surveys led by the Forest Department and the Malabar Natural History Society have documented the sanctuary’s rich biodiversity. To date, 266 butterfly species have been recorded in Aralam out of Kerala’s 327 species—27 of which are endemic to the Western Ghats and six protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
The sanctuary is especially known for the seasonal migration of Albatross butterflies during December to February, as well as the movement of various Danaine species, drawing both researchers and nature enthusiasts. Aralam also hosted the prestigious ‘Butterfly India Meet’ in 2005.
Marking 25 years of dedicated butterfly research, the upcoming butterfly reserve status not only celebrates Aralam’s natural wealth but also places it firmly on the conservation map of India.
