Why in the News?
A recent faunal survey in Karimpuzha Wildlife Sanctuary recorded several species for the first time, significantly enhancing biodiversity data of Kerala’s youngest wildlife sanctuary.
About Karimpuzha Wildlife Sanctuary
- Located in Nilambur Forest Division, Kerala
- Spread over 227.21 sq km
- Notified as a Wildlife Sanctuary in 2020
- Part of the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot
- Landscape ranges from low elevation tropical forests to montane ecosystems
Key Findings
- Birds
- 171 bird species recorded during the survey
- 8 species newly recorded in the sanctuary
- Total bird species now 247
- New records include Grey headed fish eagle, Eurasian hoopoe, Barn owl and Pallid harrier
- Butterflies
- 177 butterfly species documented
- 20 new additions recorded
- Total butterfly diversity increased to 223 species
- Evidence of altitudinal migration observed in species like Common albatross and Lesser albatross
- Odonates
- 42 species recorded during the survey
- 7 species newly added
- Total odonate diversity now 63 species
- Includes species such as Merogomphus tamaracherriensis and Rhodothemis rufa
- Other Observations
- Recorded moths, over 70 spider species and freshwater fish
- Presence of elephant herds indicates habitat continuity and ecological integrity
| [2020] With reference to Indian elephants, consider the following statements:
1. The leader of an elephant group is a female. 2. The maximum gestation period can be 22 months. 3. An elephant can normally go on calving till the age of 40 years only. 4. Among the States in India, the highest elephant population is in Kerala. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 4 only (c) 3 only (d) 1, 3 and 4 only |
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