Karimpuzha Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala has recorded a major rise in its known biodiversity after a recent faunal survey documented new species of birds, butterflies and odonates. The survey has strengthened the ecological profile of Kerala’s youngest protected area, which was notified in 2020 and spans 227.21 sq. km in the Nilambur Forest Division.
Key Survey Findings
The survey was conducted from 22 to 25 January with support from the State Forest department, STEAR, Nilambur, and the Travancore Natural History Society, Thiruvananthapuram. It recorded:
- 171 bird species
- 177 butterfly species
- 42 odonate species
Several species were recorded in the sanctuary for the first time, showing the area’s rich and still-underexplored biodiversity.
New Bird and Butterfly Records
Eight bird species were newly added to the sanctuary list, including Grey heron, Grey-headed fish eagle, Tawny-bellied babbler, Blue rock thrush, Yellow wagtail, Eurasian hoopoe, Common hawk cuckoo and Barn owl. With these additions, Karimpuzha has now documented 247 bird species across multiple surveys. Butterfly surveys added 20 new species, taking the total butterfly count to 223. Notable records included Black angle, Common grass dart, Indian dartlet, Giant red-eye, Moore’s ace, Malabar flash, White-tipped lineblue, Red admiral, Yellow jack sailor, Small leopard, Common sailor, Black rajah and Small grass yellow.
Odonates, Migration and Other Fauna
Seven new odonate species were recorded, including Merogomphus tamaracherriensis, Potamarcha congener, Rhodothemis rufa, Tetrathemis platyptera, Urothemis signata, Ceriagrion coromandelianum and Ceriagrion rubiae. This has raised the sanctuary’s odonate total to 63 species. Researchers also noted altitudinal migration in butterflies such as the Common albatross, Lesser albatross and Plain puffin across sites like Mukurthi, Meenmutty, Saivila and Kannikai. The survey also documented moths, 70 spider species and several freshwater fish species.
Conservation Significance
The presence of elephant herds and other mammals indicated strong habitat continuity and ecological integrity. The findings are expected to support future habitat protection, management planning and biodiversity monitoring. The survey involved 42 participants from across south India and covered all major habitat types through eight base camps.
Last Modified: April 27, 2026