Aralam Butterfly Sanctuary

Aralam Butterfly Sanctuary: India’s First Dedicated Butterfly Conservation Area

The Kerala government has renamed Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary as Aralam Butterfly Sanctuary, marking it as the state’s first protected area dedicated exclusively to butterfly conservation. Located in Kannur district, this northernmost wildlife sanctuary of Kerala hosts over 266 butterfly species—representing 80% of the state’s butterfly diversity—and serves as a critical site for large-scale butterfly migration. The renaming, notified under Section 18(1) of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, underscores species-specific conservation within the UNESCO Western Ghats heritage region.

UPSC Relevance: GS3 (Environment & Biodiversity), Prelims (National Parks/Wildlife Sanctuaries), Mains (Conservation Strategies).

Geographical and Ecological Profile

Aralam Butterfly Sanctuary spans the northern Western Ghats in Kannur district, nestled between the Brahmagiri ranges. The Cheenkannipuzha River, originating from these ranges, flows through the sanctuary, providing mineral-rich water essential for butterfly habitats.

Key Biodiversity Features:

• Butterfly Diversity: 266+ recorded species (80% of Kerala’s total)
• Migration Hotspot: Peak butterfly migration December-February
• Mud-Puddling Sites: Thousands gather on wet soil for mineral absorption
• Signature Species: Common Albatross (Appias albina), Blue Tiger, Buddha Mayuri, endangered Malabar Rose

Conservation Milestone and Legal Framework

Notification Details:

• Original: Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary (1984)
• Renamed: Aralam Butterfly Sanctuary (SRO 1407/2025)
• Authority: Section 18(1), Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
• Significance: First species-specific sanctuary in Kerala

The designation shifts conservation focus from general wildlife protection to specialized butterfly habitat preservation, including migration corridors, host plants, and nectar sources.

Butterfly Migration and Ecological Phenomena

Aralam witnesses spectacular annual butterfly migrations peaking during the post-monsoon dry season (December-February). Thousands congregate at mud-puddling sites along the Cheenkannipuzha River, absorbing sodium, amino acids, and other minerals essential for reproduction.

Ecological Importance:

• Pollinator Conservation: Butterflies critical for 75% of flowering plants
• Biodiversity Indicator: Reflect ecosystem health
• Food Web Keystone: Prey for birds, lizards, spiders
• Genetic Reservoirs: Maintain species diversity

Associated Wildlife and Schedule Species

Mammalian Diversity:

• Slender Loris (Schedule I, Wildlife Protection Act)
• Indian Elephant populations
• Giant Squirrel, Leopard, Wild Boar

Avifauna: 200+ bird species including Malabar Grey Hornbill, Wayanad Laughingthrush

Reptiles & Amphibians: Endemic frog species, vine snakes

Community Conservation Initiatives

Butterfly Village Project:

• Connects four adjacent panchayats
• Community-based ecotourism model
• Host plant cultivation programs
• Butterfly rearing demonstration units

Local Engagement:

• Women SHGs trained as butterfly guides
• School butterfly garden programs
• Farmer field schools on pollinator conservation

Strategic Conservation Implications

Species-Specific Protection:

• National Priority: First butterfly sanctuary model
• State Expansion: Potential for Thattekad, Peppara replication
• Western Ghats: UNESCO site conservation alignment Pollinator
• Crisis: Addresses global insect decline

• Habitat fragmentation prevention
• Pesticide drift control from plantations
• Climate change adaptation (migration route protection)
• Illegal collection regulation

UPSC Examination Framework

GS Paper III (Environment):

Prelims Focus:

• Location: Kannur district, Kerala
• Species Count: 266 butterflies (80% Kerala total)
• Legal Section: 18(1) Wildlife Protection Act 1972
• Key River: Cheenkannipuzha
• Signature Species: Malabar Rose (endangered)

Mains Questions:

1. “Species-specific sanctuaries as next-generation biodiversity conservation” (150 words)
2. Community-based ecotourism models for sustainable development (250 words)
3. Western Ghats conservation challenges and opportunities (15 marks)

Current Affairs Linkages:

• National Mission on Pollinators (under preparation)
• Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel recommendations
• Kerala State Biodiversity Board strategies

Comparative Analysis: Butterfly Sanctuaries India

Climate Change Vulnerability

Butterfly migration patterns are increasingly vulnerable to:

• Temperature shifts are disrupting breeding cycles
• Altered rainfall patterns affecting mud-puddling
• Habitat loss from invasive species
• Phenological mismatches with host plants

Aralam’s protected status establishes a long-term monitoring baseline for climate impact assessment.

Economic and Educational Value

Ecotourism Potential:

• Butterfly safaris generate local employment
• Research station attracts entomologists
• Citizen science programs engage students

Educational Outreach:

• Butterfly lifecycle demonstrations
• Conservation biology field stations
• School adoption programs

Carbon Credit Linkages:
Pollinator conservation enhances forest carbon sequestration
Nature-based solutions financing opportunities

Implementation Roadmap

• Phase 1 (2026): Infrastructure development, Butterfly Village launch
• Phase 2 (2027-28): Research station, migration monitoring network
• Phase 3 (2029+): Replication model, national pollinator network

Kerala’s pioneering initiative establishes a replicable model for species-specific conservation within generalist protected areas. Aralam Butterfly Sanctuary positions India as a pollinator conservation leader.

Contact us for comprehensive Environment & Biodiversity modules, including Western Ghats conservation strategies.