Categories: Blog

First Butterfly Sanctuary India: Aralam Forest in Kerala Becomes Biodiversity Hotspot

First Butterfly Sanctuary India: Aralam in Kerala declared as India’s first butterfly sanctuary with over 266 species. Learn its importance for UPSC, PSC, and competitive exams.

India’s First Butterfly Sanctuary Inaugurated in Kerala’s Aralam Forest

🍃 A New Milestone in Conservation

On 18 June 2025, the Kerala State Wildlife Board officially renamed the Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary in Kannur as India’s first Butterfly Sanctuary, making it the country’s first protected forest dedicated solely to butterflies

Sanctuary at a Glance

Situated in the Western Ghats, the 55 km² sanctuary lies in the scenic valley of the Brahmagiri mountain range, spanning dense tropical to semi-evergreen forests Initially established in 1984, it has supported over 266 butterfly species—around 80% of all species seen in Kerala

Seasonal Butterfly Migration

Each December through February, the sanctuary experiences a spectacular migration. Hundreds of butterflies—especially the Common Albatross and Danaine species—descend from the hills via rivers, with up to 12,000 butterflies recorded passing a single point within five minutes This awe-inspiring phenomenon attracts researchers, photographers, and eco-tourists nationwide.

Sustained Conservation Efforts

For more than two decades, the Kerala Forest Dept., in collaboration with the Malabar Natural History Society, has conducted annual butterfly surveys and a flagship Butterfly Migration Study in January-FebruaryOfficials, including wildlife warden G. Pradeep, emphasize that new species are still being discovered, highlighting the sanctuary’s critical ecological value

A Symbolic Shift in Biodiversity Valuation

This landmark inauguration shifts India’s conservation narrative—recognizing even the tiniest pollinators. The new butterfly sanctuary promises enhanced funding, focused protection, and a spotlight on the importance of insect biodiversity

First butterfly sanctuary India

Why This News Is Important

Boost for Ecosystem Health

Butterflies are vital ecological indicators—they signal habitat quality and contribute to pollination. India’s decision to declare a butterfly-exclusive sanctuary strengthens ecological research, species protection, and biodiversity monitoring.

Relevance Across Government Exam Syllabi

This development is highly relevant for aspirants of UPSC Civil Services, State PSC, SSC, Railways, Banking, Defence, and Teacher recruitment. Topics like Environment & Ecology, Biodiversity Conservation, Western Ghats, and Protected Areas often feature in exam questions.

Aligns with Global Conservation Strategies

India’s initiative mirrors global trends that champion smaller species’ conservation—emphasizing ecosystem interdependence, and encouraging multi-tiered wildlife protection strategies.

Encourages Eco-Tourism and Local Economy

By elevating Aralam to a butterfly sanctuary status, eco-tourism is set to grow, benefiting local communities. This move integrates economic development goals with ecological stewardship, aligning with sustainable development themes.

Historical Context

From Sanctuary to Specialized Refuge

Initially designated in 1984, Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary sat at the confluence of Kerala’s rich ecological network. Standard protections were in place, but no specific focus on butterflies existed.

25 Years of Research & Conservation

Since the early 2000s, joint efforts by the Forest Dept. and Malabar Natural History Society changed the narrative. Yearly surveys and migration studies highlighted Aralam’s unique butterfly diversity—a precedent for carving out a sanctuary specifically for lepidopteran species

Legislative Recognition

Following decades of empirical data and community advocacy, the Kerala State Wildlife Board’s decision on 18 June 2025 marks a significant policy achievement. It transforms Aralam into the nation’s first butterfly-centric protected area, attracting specific legal protections and resource allocation.

Key Takeaways from India’s First Butterfly Sanctuary

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the name of India’s first butterfly sanctuary?

India’s first butterfly sanctuary is Aralam Butterfly Sanctuary, located in Kerala’s Kannur district.

2. When was Aralam declared a butterfly sanctuary?

It was officially declared a butterfly sanctuary on 18 June 2025 by the Kerala State Wildlife Board.

3. How many butterfly species are found in Aralam?

Aralam hosts over 266 butterfly species, representing nearly 80% of Kerala’s butterfly diversity.

4. What makes the butterfly migration at Aralam special?

From December to February, thousands of butterflies—especially Common Albatross and Danaine species—migrate in large numbers, with up to 12,000 butterflies recorded passing a point in just five minutes.

5. Why is Aralam important for exams?

It aligns with key topics in Environment & Ecology, Biodiversity, and Wildlife Conservation, often asked in UPSC, State PSCs, SSC, Banking, and Defence exams.