Faunal survey uncovers new species in Karimpuzha Wildlife Sanctuary

A recent faunal survey in Karimpuzha Wildlife Sanctuary revealed new species, enhancing Kerala's biodiversity records significantly.

A faunal survey conducted recently in the Karimpuzha Wildlife Sanctuary has added significantly to the biodiversity records of Kerala’s youngest protected area.

The survey, carried out from January 22 to 25 by the State Forest department with support from the Society for Tropical Ecology and Research (STEAR), Nilambur, and the Travancore Natural History Society (TNHS), Thiruvananthapuram, documented 171 bird species, 177 species of butterflies, and 42 species of odonates, with several recorded in the sanctuary for the first time.

Eight bird species newly recorded during the survey were the 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 since its formation five years ago.

Pallid harrier

Butterfly surveys recorded 20 new additions, taking the sanctuary’s total butterfly diversity to 223 species. Noteworthy records included the 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.

Researchers also observed notable altitudinal migration of butterflies, particularly the Common albatross, Lesser albatross, and Plain puffin, at locations such as Mukurthi, Meenmutty, Saivila, and Kannikai, indicating seasonal movement across elevation gradients.