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

Kerala, a comprehensive three -day Faunal survey in Thetkad Bird Sanctuary, near Kothamangalam in Ernakulam, added nine types of records to the official biological diversity checklist. The findings in Kerala’s first bird shelter confirmed its position as one of the richest ecological regions in Western Ghats.

The questionnaire organized jointly by the survey, Kerala Forest Department and Thiruvananthapuram -based Travancore Nature History Association (TNHS), brought together about 30 issues from all over the state. They were supported by forest staff and deployed in six survey camps to cover all 25 square meters of key habitats and height zones. Sanctuary.

The composite faunal research has adopted a multiple taka approach covering birds, Odonats (Yusufçuklar and Girls), birds, ants, crabs, August, moths, amphibians and fish.

A total of 113 butterflies were recorded, including four new additions, ie extra Lascar, yellow crico sailors, yellow breasts flat and white rod bushes.

Buda Peacock, the state butterfly of Kerala, often exhibited egg laying behavior, while Malabar Rose, Mavi Oakleaf and South Birdwing added color and diversity.

The Odonate Checklist in Thatkad has grown 88 species with five new records: Wayanad Bowtail (Macrogomphus Wayadicus), Spotted torrent-hawk (Epoftalmi frontalis), Travancore dagger head (Idionyx Travancorensis), Malabar sprite (Pseudagrion Malabaricum) and Malabar Bambootay (Melanoneura bilineata).

Malabar sprite (Pseudagrion Malabaricum)
| Photo Loan: Muhammad Ameen

Big herds of the common picture wingand a mobile glider was seen, with Western Ghats endemiks Euphaea Fraseri And Lyriothemis Abrahami.

A total of 104 bird species with raptors such as Lesser Fish Eagle, Eurasia Sparrow Hawk, Tepeli Goshawk and Spot-Belied Eagle Owl were documented. Malabar Trogon, Blue Ears Kingfisher, Endemic Malabar Budgerigar, such as forest experts were also seen.

Survey teams also elephant herds, Gaur and Puly Antater, including another fauna recorded. King Kobra, eight fish species, 30 types of ant, two freshwater crab species, 22 types of moths and five amphibians also had observations.

Ecologists participated in the Fauunal research in the Thattekad Bird Sancauary in Ernakulam. | Photo Loan: Special Editing

G. Jayachandran, the Wildlife Department of Iddukki, who opened the program, said that thattekad remained as the jewel of West Ghats. “Such discoveries remind us of the inseparable role of the sacred area in protection and research,” he says.

INDIES FOR PROTECTION PLANNING

He added that the findings of the questionnaire did not only contribute to the scientific database, but also provided vital inputs for protection planning. Periodic documents help monitor ecosystem changes, assess the population tendencies of threat species, and strengthen the reputation of the sacred area as a global target for nature enthusiasts.

White-Bar Bushbrown | Photo Loan: Suhas R.

According to the research assistant TNHS, Kalesh Sadasivan, the survey emphasizes the level of relevance of the biodiversity field beyond a hot point. “Thattekad is a living laboratory. Adding new types of records underlines the value of systematic surveys. Any document is a building block to understand how our ecosystems work.”