Survey Uncovers Nine New Bird Species in Kerala’s Thattekad Sanctuary

Speedy Summary

• A three-day faunal survey at Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, KeralaS first bird sanctuary near Kothamangalam, added nine new species to the biodiversity checklist.
• The survey was organized by the Kerala Forest Department and Travancore Nature History Society (TNHS), with 30 experts and forest staff covering key habitats in the 25-sq.km. sanctuary.
• The multi-taxa approach documented butterflies, dragonflies (odonates), birds, ants, crabs, cicadas, moths, amphibians and fishes.
• Key findings:

– Butterflies: Total of 113 species observed; four new additions: extra lascar, yellow jack sailor, yellow-breasted flat and white-bar bushbrown.
– Odonates: Five new species recorded including Wayanad bowtail (Macrogomphus wayanadicus) and Malabar sprite (Pseudagrion malabaricum).- Birds: Total of 104 species including Malabar trogon and endemic Malabar parakeet. Raptors like the lesser fish eagle also spotted.

• Other fauna: Herds of elephants, king cobras, scaly anteaters; eight fish species; two freshwater crab types; five amphibians identified.
• Ecologists emphasized Thattekad’s ecological importance for conservation planning and research.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The detailed survey underscores Thattekad Bird Sanctuary as a vital biodiversity hotspot within the Western Ghats-one of India’s most ecologically important regions.The inclusion of nine new faunal records reflects both its rich ecosystem diversity and the importance of systematic documentation in conservation efforts. Species discoveries highlight not just scientific value but also practical uses in tracking ecological balance amidst environmental changes.

The collaborative efforts between government bodies like Kerala Forest Department and groups such as TNHS demonstrate effective models for biodiversity monitoring that may serve other regions nationally.Regular surveys at similar ecologically sensitive zones could provide valuable data to aid India’s broader conservation strategies while boosting nature-based tourism sustainably.

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