Biodiversity Survey in Karimpuzha Sanctuary

Faunal Survey in Karimpuzha Wildlife Sanctuary

1. Survey Overview:

   • Conducted by the State Forest Department with support from Society for Tropical Ecology and Research (STEAR) and Travancore Natural History Society (TNHS) from January 22 to 25.
   • Engaged 42 participants from across South India.
   • Covered eight base camps and major habitat types within the 227.21 sq. km sanctuary.

2. Biodiversity Findings:

   • Bird Species: Documented 171 bird species, raising the total to 247 species across multiple surveys since the sanctuary's establishment in 2020.
     • Newly Recorded Species:
       • Grey heron
       • Grey-headed fish eagle
       • Tawny-bellied babbler
       • Blue rock thrush
       • Yellow wagtail
       • Eurasian hoopoe
       • Common hawk cuckoo
       • Barn owl
   • Butterfly Species: Recorded 177 butterfly species, including 20 new additions, raising total butterfly diversity to 223 species.
     • Notable New Species:
       • 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
       • Small grass yellow
   • Odonate Species: Documented 42 species of odonates, including seven new records:
     • Merogomphus tamaracherriensis
     • Potamarcha congener
     • Rhodothemis rufa
     • Tetrathemis platyptera
     • Urothemis signata
     • Ceriagrion coromandelianum
     • Ceriagrion rubiae
   • Additional Findings: Recorded multiple moth species, 70 spider species, and various freshwater fish species. Encounters with elephant herds indicated ecological integrity.

3. Ecological Significance:

   • Findings contribute to habitat protection, management, and monitoring initiatives.
   • The survey's results support conservation planning efforts, vital for the long-term sustainability of the sanctuary.

4. Notable Features of Karimpuzha Wildlife Sanctuary:

   • Established in 2020, it is Kerala’s youngest protected area.
   • Contains diverse ecosystems, ranging from low-elevation forests to montane habitats, contributing to rich biodiversity.

5. Future Directions:

   • Enhanced collaborative research efforts are crucial for generating high-quality biodiversity data necessary for effective conservation strategies in the sanctuary.

This survey represents a significant step in understanding Kerala's biodiversity and ensures ongoing environmental protection and management efforts in Karimpuzha Wildlife Sanctuary.