State PCS - West Bengal (WBCS)

• 14 Jan 2026

Kerala Renames Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary as Butterfly Sanctuary

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.

Read More:  Wildlife (Protection) Act,  IUCN Red List, UNESCO