Within the dense inexperienced coronary heart of Kerala’s Western Ghats, a uncommon type of sanctuary has taken form — one constructed not for tigers or elephants, however for creatures usually ignored: butterflies.
On 18 June 2025, the Kerala State Wildlife Board formally renamed the Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary in Kannur because the Aralam Butterfly Sanctuary, making it India’s first protected forest devoted totally to butterflies.
This historic recognition comes after 25 years of affected person effort, cautious surveys, and the unwavering perception of researchers, forest officers, and native nature lovers — that even the smallest wings deserve a secure dwelling.
Spanning 55 sq. kilometres within the lush folds of tropical and semi-evergreen forest, the renamed sanctuary is likely one of the richest butterfly habitats in Kerala, with over 266 recorded species — greater than 80 p.c of all butterflies discovered within the state. A few of these are endangered, whereas others exist nowhere else on Earth.
From December to February annually, the sanctuary turns into a stage for a magical migration. Tons of of butterflies, together with the elegant Frequent Albatross and numerous Danaine species, journey down from the hills, following rivers and daylight. Their delicate and vibrant wings hint invisible paths via the timber, making a spectacle that pulls butterfly watchers, photographers, and nature fans from throughout the nation.
Since its institution in 1984, Aralam has been a favorite amongst researchers and conservationists. For greater than 20 years, the State Forest Division has partnered with the Malabar Pure Historical past Society to hold out annual butterfly surveys. One of many highlights of the sanctuary’s calendar is the Butterfly Migration Research, held each January or February, which celebrates this seasonal motion and deepens understanding of those pollinators.
Wildlife warden G Pradeep famous that new species are nonetheless being found within the forest, including to its ecological significance. The current official declaration as a butterfly sanctuary is not only symbolic; it brings hope for elevated funding, targeted conservation, and stronger safety of this fragile ecosystem.
India’s first butterfly sanctuary is now on report — a transparent shift in how we worth biodiversity. The wings that when fluttered unnoticed now maintain an enormous place on India’s conservation map.
Edited by Khushi Arora