Kerala Renames Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary as Butterfly Sanctuary | 14 Jan 2026

Why in News? 

The Kerala government has officially renamed the Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary in Kannur district as the Aralam Butterfly Sanctuary. 

Key Points 

• Notification: The renaming was officially notified under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. 
• Reason: Due to the presence of  rich abundance and diversity of butterfly species in the region and the need to protect and propagate their natural habitat. 
  • Butterfly Diversity: Aralam hosts about 266 butterfly species, representing over 80% of Kerala’s total butterfly diversity. 
  • Endemic Species: 27 species in Aralam are endemic to the Western Ghats. 
• WP Act Protection: Six butterfly species recorded at Aralam are listed in Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 
• Historical Status: The Aralam area was originally declared as a wildlife sanctuary in 1984. 
• Global Significance: The sanctuary holds global ecological importance, as part of the Western Ghats, which is recognised as a World Natural Heritage site by UNESCO. 
• Social and Environmental Impact: The renamed sanctuary is expected to strengthen biodiversity conservation, promote environmental education, ecotourism, and generate community engagement in protecting butterfly populations.