Eight more butterfly species sighted at Aralam

KOZHIKODE: A recent survey conducted jointly by the Kerala Forests and Wildlife Department and the Malabar Natural History Society (MNHS) at the Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary has noticed eight more new species of butterflies for the first time.The survey was conducted as part of the 11th annual butterfly study camp held from January 13 to 15 at the sanctuary.The list of new butterfly species recorded during the survey includes Yellow JackSailer, Aberrant Oak Blue, Tamil Oak Blue, Peacock Royal, Plain Banded Awl, Green Awlet, Banded Royal and Striped Albatross. The total number of species recorded in the sanctuary has now come to 242.The three-day survey has spotted a total of 148 species of butterflies. The study also reiterated the dominance of the Nymphalidae family with 43 species viewed. This was followed by 41 species of Lycaenidae, 24 species of Hesperiidae, and 15 species each from Papilionidae and Pieridae.Of the total 148 species recorded during the survey, six species were endemic to the Western Ghats. Besides, these, surveyors were also able to spot nine species of butterflies which fall under various protected categories as per the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972. Among them, the Crimson Rose(Pachliopta hector) and Danaid Eggfly (Hypolimnas misippus) are listed under Schedule-I of the Act. Another important thing emerged from the study is that the immigration of butterflies from different places to Aralam has declined gradually.More than 85 butterfly enthusiasts from various parts of Kerala and Karnataka attended the programme. Jafer Palot, coordinator, Butterfly Migration Study Project, said, “unlike previous years, the butterfly migration was minimum at the sanctuary. Still, Aralam wild life sanctuary is having the largest diversity of butterflies in the state with a total of 242 species. Even in the Silent Valley, number is around 125.” Surveys were conducted at Valayanchal, Pookundu Colony, Narikadavu, Kuruckathodu, Kariyankappu, Meenmutty falls, Chavachi, and Paripputhodu.  The maximum activity of butterflies was observed at Paripputhodu area, where a maximum count of more than 20 individuals per  5 minute was noticed.