Kerala’s youngest wildlife sanctuary, Karimpuzha, surprises experts with 63 new species

Great Hornbill (Image: Canva)

Karimpuzha Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala is full of life. A recent faunal survey uncovered 63 new species, surprising researchers. This was the first comprehensive study after Karimpuzha was notified as a protected area in 2020.

New Findings in Odonates, Butterflies, and Birds
The survey was conducted between March 21 and 23. It was carried out by the Forest Department with assistance from the Society for Tropical Ecology and Research (STEAR) and the Travancore Nature History Society (TNHS). Spanning 227.21 square kilometres, the team ventured into altitudes between 50 and 2,500 metres.

Scientists found 16 bird species that were not previously recorded in the region, six new butterfly species, and 41 new odonate species. The sanctuary now boasts 239 bird species due to these additions. Some of the interesting sightings included the Broad-tailed Grassbird, White-Rumped Vulture, Blue-eared Kingfisher, and Eurasian Sparrow Hawk. Some of the other birds spotted were the Lesser Adjutant, Nilgiri Pipit, and Great Indian Hornbill.

More Records of Butterflies and Wildlife
There are currently 263 butterfly species. Some of the recent additions include Painted Courtesan, Nilgiri Four-ring, Silver Streaked Acacia Blue, Sinhalese Five-ring, Suffused Double Banded Judy, and Small Cupid.

There have also been sightings of indigenous species such as the White Bar Bushbrown and Red Eye Bushbrown, which are rare species. Gomphidia kodaguensis, Rhyothemis triangularis, Euphaea fraseri, and Protosticta gravelyi are some of the 58 species that are now part of the odonate checklist.

Moreover, 141 moth species, four cicada species, 38 ant species, five bee species, and four fish species were discovered by the researchers. Elephants, Nilgiri Tahrs, tigers, leopards, gaurs, sambars, and striped-necked mongooses were some of the large animals that were spotted.

The results were unexpected during the dry season, said Wildlife Warden Dhanik Lal. A follow-up survey would be done after the monsoon to know more about the sanctuary's biodiversity.