The government of Kerala has recently undertaken a butterfly survey in two key parts of the Western Ghat region: the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (WWS) and Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary (CWS). The objective of this survey is to apprehend the diversity of butterflies in these forest territories that are extremely susceptible to climate alterations.
The Role of Butterflies as Indicator Species
A fundamental part of this survey is grounded on the significance of butterflies as an indicator species. Essentially, an indicator species serves as a living barometer of the overall health of an ecosystem, revealing critical information about other species inhabiting the ecosystem. They signal any change in environmental conditions and modify aspects of community composition. Therefore, studying butterflies can help gain insight into the intricate interactions between climate change and ecology.
Key Discoveries from the Butterfly Survey
Upon completion of the survey, 191 different species of butterflies were identified inhabiting the region. Remarkably, 12 of these species are endemic, i.e., unique to this particular region. This is indicative of a robust and flourishing habitat for butterflies in the Western Ghats.
Among the spotted species, some rare ones such as the Silver Forget Me Not, Common Three-Ring, and Brown Onyx were sighted. However, where invasive alien plant species like Senna spectabilis were present, the butterfly diversity was noticeably low. This plant species is known to hinder the growth of many host plants that nurtures butterflies.
| Butterfly Types | Count |
|---|---|
| Total Species | 191 |
| Endemic Species | 12 |
| Rare Species | 3 |
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary: A Haven for Asiatic Elephants
Situated as part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve along with several other significant wildlife sanctuaries and national parks, the Wayanad Wildlife sanctuary boasts a unique ecological and geographical continuity. This sanctuary is known to have the largest recorded population of Asiatic elephants in the world.
Its entire expanse is drained by the Kabini River along with its three tributaries: the Panamaram, Mananthavady, and Kalindy rivers. Notably, the Kabini River is one of the three east-flowing rivers of Kerala and is an integral tributary of the Kaveri River.
Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary: An Integral Part of Kerala’s Protected Areas
Another crucial area included in the survey, the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, is one among the 13 sanctuaries within the protected areas of Kerala state. Nestled in the Idduki district of Kerala, this sanctuary is situated near the Annamalai hills and falls under Eravikulam National Park’s jurisdiction.