Biodiversity of Thattekad Bird Sanctuary in Kerala grows richer as survey reveals nine new species

A comprehensive three-day faunal survey at Thettekad Bird Sanctuary, near Kothamangalam in Ernakulam, Kerala, has added nine species records to its official biodiversity checklist. The findings at Kerala’s first bird sanctuary has reaffirmed its position as one of the richest ecological zones in the Western Ghats.

Organised jointly by the Kerala Forest department and Thiruvananthapuram-based Travancore Nature History Society (TNHS), the survey brought together nearly 30 subject experts from across the State. They were supported by forest staff and deployed across six survey camps to cover all key habitats and elevation zones within the 25-sq.km. sanctuary.

The composite faunal survey adopted a multi-taxa approach covering butterflies, odonates (dragonflies and damselflies), birds, ants, crabs, cicadas, moths, amphibians and fishes.

A total of 113 butterfly species were recorded, including four new additions, viz., extra lascar, yellow jack sailor, yellow-breasted flat and white-bar bushbrown.

The Buddha peacock, Kerala’s State butterfly, was frequently sighted exhibiting egg-laying behaviour, while species such as Malabar rose, blue oakleaf and southern birdwing added colour and diversity.

The odonate checklist at Thattekad grew to 88 species, with five new records: Wayanad bowtail (Macrogomphus wayanadicus), spotted 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 common picture wingand wandering glider were seen, along with Western Ghats endemics such as Euphaea fraseri and Lyriothemis abrahami.

A total of 104 bird species were also documented, featuring 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 were also sighted.

The survey teams also recorded other fauna, including herds of elephants, gaur and scaly anteater. There were also sightings of the king cobra, eight fish species, 30 species of ants, two freshwater crab species, 22 species of moths and five amphibians.

Ecologists engaged in the faunal survey at Thattekad Bird Sanctuary in Ernakulam.
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

G. Jayachandran, wildlife warden, Idukki wildlife division, who inaugurated the programme, said Thattekad remains a jewel of the Western Ghats. “Discoveries such as these remind us of the sanctuary’s irreplaceable role in conservation and research,” he points out.

Inputs for conservation planning

He adds that the survey’s findings not only add to the scientific database, but also provide vital inputs for conservation planning. Periodic documentation helps track ecosystem changes, assess population trends of threatened species and strengthen the sanctuary’s reputation as a global destination for nature enthusiasts.

White-bar bushbrown
| Photo Credit:
Suhas R.

According to Kalesh Sadasivan, research associate, TNHS, the survey highlights the relevance of the biodiversity area beyond 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.”