Marking a conservation milestone, the Kerala State Wildlife Board has officially renamed Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary as India’s first Butterfly Sanctuary, recognizing its astounding biodiversity and ecological importance .

Spanning 55 km² amid the lush Western Ghats, Aralam boasts over 266 butterfly species, representing more than 80% of Kerala’s total butterfly diversity. Among these are 27 endemic species and 6 protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act.

One of the sanctuary’s most enchanting phenomena is the seasonal migration of Common Albatross and Danaine butterflies. Peak migration from December to February witnessed up to 12,000 butterflies passing a single point in five minutes, feeding on mineral-rich puddles.

The sanctuary has been a focal point for research since its designation in 1984, with the Malabar Natural History Society in partnership with the Forest Department conducting annual butterfly surveys since 2000. It’s also home to India’s only 25-year consecutive butterfly migration study camps

According to Wildlife Warden G. Pradeep, the continuous discovery of new species highlights Aralam’s ecological richness. The sanctuary’s new status is expected to bolster funding, encourage focused conservation efforts, and enhance its reputation as an eco-tourism hotspot

“Butterfly diversity is testimony of Aralam’s biodiversity,” said G. Pradeep

This transformation not only elevates the profile of these delicate pollinators but also signals a shift in India’s conservation ethos—valuing the small yet vital threads that sustain our ecosystems. Visitors, researchers, and wildlife enthusiasts can now explore Aralam’s rich butterfly lifecycle, witness migration events, and traverse scenic trails like Meenmutty and Ambalappara

This historic initiative brings the flutter of wings into the spotlight, celebrating biodiversity and promising a greener future.