Kerala made a major leap for biodiversity conservation recently when it established India’s first butterfly sanctuary. Their newly designated butterfly sanctuary is located in the Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary in the northernmost district of Kerala, Kannur. This first-of-its-kind designation makes the Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary a butterfly sanctuary, marking a historic environmental first in the country. The Aralam Butterfly Sanctuary spans an area of 55 sq. km in the forested area of the picturesque Western Ghats, and provides an important habitat for over 266 butterfly species (including rare and endangered species).
On June 18, 2025, the Kerala State Wildlife Board adopted a motion to rename the Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary as India’s first butterfly sanctuary, after 25 years of establishment and conservation, surveys, and advocacy by researchers, forest officials, and environmental organizations.
Main Objectives & Purpose
• To provide a protected habitat and preserve migration corridors for butterflies.
• To raise awareness around butterfly conservation.
• To develop eco-tourism and research opportunities based on butterflies and habitats for scientists and local community members.
The highlights of the sanctuary include;
• Location: Kannur district, Kerala, within the Western Ghats.
• Area: 55 square kilometres.
• Habitat Type: Tropical and semi-evergreen forests.
• Total Butterfly Species Count: 266+ species (80% of Kerala’s butterfly richness).
• Rare Sightings: Common Albatross, Danaine species and many endemic butterflies.
• Seasonal Migration: The peak flyway for butterflies is from December to February, as they migrate across from the equator.
