Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary

A three-day faunal survey at the Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary in Kerala has added nine species records to its official biodiversity checklist, reaffirming its position as one of the richest ecological zones in the Western Ghats.

Key Findings of the Survey

The survey, conducted near Kothamangalam in Ernakulam, documented a total of 113 butterfly species. Among these, four are new additions to the sanctuary’s official list:

• Extra lascar
• Yellow jack sailor
• Yellow-breasted flat
• White-bar bushbrown

Additionally, researchers frequently sighted the Buddha peacock, Kerala’s State butterfly, and observed it exhibiting egg-laying behavior. Other species like the Malabar rose, blue oakleaf, and southern birdwing were also recorded, adding to the diversity of the survey.

About the Sanctuary

Known as Kerala’s first bird sanctuary, Thattekkad is located about 12 km from Kothamangalam. The sanctuary is also widely renowned as the Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, named after the country’s most famous ornithologist. The name “Thattekkad” is a Malayalam word that translates to “flat forest.”

(Source: TH)