In a landmark decision for wildlife conservation, Kerala has officially designated the Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary as the Aralam Butterfly Sanctuary, making it India’s first protected forest exclusively dedicated to butterfly conservation. The announcement, made by the Kerala Forest and Wildlife Department on June 18, 2025, marks a significant step in preserving the state’s rich biodiversity while promoting niche ecotourism.

Spanning 55 square kilometers in the Western Ghats, the newly renamed sanctuary is home to over 266 recorded butterfly species, including rare, endangered, and endemic varieties. Among the notable species are the Malabar Banded Peacock (Papilio buddha), the Southern Birdwing (Troides minos—Kerala’s state butterfly), and the Nilgiri Tiger Butterfly (Parantica nilgiriensis). The region’s unique ecosystem provides an ideal habitat for these delicate pollinators, which serve as vital indicators of environmental health.

The decision to rebrand Aralam as a butterfly sanctuary aligns with India’s National Biodiversity Mission (2022–2030) and global conservation goals under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. According to Dr. R. Prabhakaran, a senior scientist at the Kerala Forest Research Institute, “Butterflies are often overlooked in conservation, yet they play a crucial role in pollination and maintaining ecological balance. This sanctuary will help protect fragile species from habitat loss and climate change.”

The Kerala government has adopted a community-based conservation model, engaging local tribal communities and eco-tourism stakeholders in safeguarding the sanctuary. Forest Minister A.K. Saseendran stated, “This initiative is not just about protecting butterflies but also about creating sustainable livelihoods through responsible tourism.” Key measures include:

Habitat restoration programs to revive native flora.

Strict restrictions on pesticide use in buffer zones.

Eco-sensitive tourism guidelines to minimize human impact.

The sanctuary is expected to become a hub for butterfly-based ecotourism, offering guided trails, photography tours, and educational programs. The Kerala Tourism Department plans to collaborate with NGOs like the National Butterfly Conservation Society to develop visitor centers and citizen science initiatives. Similar efforts at Thenmala Butterfly Park (featured in The Hindu, 2023) have successfully raised awareness and attracted nature enthusiasts.

Kerala has long been a pioneer in wildlife protection, with successful projects for the Lion-Tailed Macaque and Great Indian Hornbill. The Aralam Butterfly Sanctuary reinforces this legacy while setting a precedent for other states. “This is just the beginning,” said Dr. Priya Menon, a lepidopterist with the Kerala Biodiversity Board. “We hope to discover more species and inspire similar sanctuaries across India.”

With its lush landscapes and incredible biodiversity, the Aralam Butterfly Sanctuary is poised to become a must-visit destination for researchers, tourists, and conservationists alike—proving that even the smallest creatures can drive big changes in environmental stewardship.