A complete three-day faunal survey on the Thettekad Bird Sanctuary, close to Kothamangalam in Ernakulam, Kerala, has added nine species data to its official biodiversity guidelines. The findings at Kerala’s first fowl sanctuary has reaffirmed its place as one of the richest ecological zones in the Western Ghats.
Organised collectively by the Kerala Forest division and Thiruvananthapuram-based Travancore Nature History Society (TNHS), the survey introduced collectively almost 30 topic specialists from throughout the State. They have been supported by forest workers and deployed throughout six survey camps to cowl all key habitats and elevation zones throughout the 25-sq.km. sanctuary.
The composite faunal survey adopted a multi-taxa method masking butterflies, odonates (dragonflies and damselflies), birds, ants, crabs, cicadas, moths, amphibians and fishes.
Malabar trogon
| Photo Credit:
Kalesh Sadasivan
A complete of 113 butterfly species have been recorded, together with 4 new additions, viz., additional lascar, yellow jack sailor, yellow-breasted flat and white-bar bushbrown.
The Buddha peacock, Kerala’s State butterfly, was continuously sighted exhibiting egg-laying behaviour, whereas species such as Malabar rose, blue oakleaf and southern birdwing added color and variety.
The odonate guidelines at Thattekad grew to 88 species, with 5 new data: Wayanad bowtail (Macrogomphus wayanadicus), noticed torrent-hawk (Epophthalmia frontalis), Travancore dagger-head (Idionyx travancorensis), Malabar sprite (Pseudagrion malabaricum) and Malabar bambootail (Melanoneura bilineata).
Malabar sprite (Pseudagrion malabaricum)
| Photo Credit:
Muhammed Ameen
Large swarms of frequent image wingand wandering glider have been seen, together with Western Ghats endemics such as Euphaea fraseri and Lyriothemis abrahami.
A complete of 104 fowl species have been additionally documented, that includes raptors such as the lesser fish eagle, Eurasian sparrow hawk, crested goshawk and spot-bellied eagle owl. Forest specialists such as the Malabar trogon, blue-eared kingfisher, the endemic Malabar parakeet have been additionally sighted.
The survey groups additionally recorded different fauna, together with herds of elephants, gaur and scaly anteater. There have been additionally sightings of the king cobra, eight fish species, 30 species of ants, two freshwater crab species, 22 species of moths and 5 amphibians.
Ecologists engaged in the faunal survey at Thattekad Bird Sanctuary in Ernakulam.
| Photo Credit:
particular association
G. Jayachandran, wildlife warden, Idukki wildlife division, who inaugurated the programme, stated Thattekad stays a jewel of the Western Ghats. “Discoveries such as these remind us of the sanctuary’s irreplaceable role in conservation and research,” he factors out.
Inputs for conservation planning
He provides that the survey’s findings not solely add to the scientific database, but additionally present important inputs for conservation planning. Periodic documentation helps monitor ecosystem modifications, assess inhabitants tendencies of threatened species and strengthen the sanctuary’s fame as a worldwide vacation spot for nature fanatics.
White-bar bushbrown
| Photo Credit:
Suhas R.
According to Kalesh Sadasivan, analysis affiliate, TNHS, the survey highlights the relevance of the biodiversity space past a birding hotspot. “Thattekad is a living laboratory. The addition of the new species records underscores the value of systematic surveys. Every species documented is a building block in understanding how our ecosystems function.”
Published – August 19, 2025 11:41 am IST
