A four-day faunal survey conducted at the Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary has added significant findings to the sanctuary’s biodiversity records.The survey, organised by the Travancore Nature History Society (TNHS) in collaboration with the Forest department, saw the participation of various academic institutions and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) across south India. The survey focussed on birds, butterflies, odonates (dragonflies and damselflies), and other wildlife across nine base camps located within the sanctuary’s 172 sq km.

As many as 143 species of birds were spotted during the survey. The sanctuary, located in the Western Ghats, is home to several endemic bird species. These included the Malabar Parakeet (Blue-Winged Parakeet), White-Bellied Treepie, Crimson-Backed Sunbird, Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, and Malabar Grey Hornbill. The State bird, the Great Indian Hornbill, was also spotted in several camps. Other notable endemic species recorded at high-elevation camps included the Ashambu Laughing-Thrush, Square-Tailed Bulbul, and Black-and-Orange Flycatcher. With the spotting of Painted Stork during the survey, the total bird species diversity in the region touched 248.

(From left) Red-Disc Bushbrown, Calocypha Laidlawi and Lesser Fish Eagle

Butterflies

Butterfly diversity was another highlight, with 174 species recorded during the survey. Endemic species such as the Malabar Banded Peacock, Malabar Rose, and Sahyadri Grass Yellow were among the notable observations. Additionally, rare species such as the Malabar Tree-Nymph and Golden Treeflitter were identified. A notable event during the survey was the migration of hundreds of Lesser Albatross and Common Albatross across the sanctuary, observed at all major camps. The total number of butterfly species documented in the region since 2010 has touched 269.

Though it was not a peak season for odonates, 48 species were recorded, including two new species from the genera Hydrobasileus and Melanoneura. The rain preceding the survey triggered a large-scale migration of Pantalas, which were seen migrating westward from the sanctuary’s waterbodies. Endemic odonates observed included species such as Gomphidia kodaguensis and Euphaea fraseri. The total number of odonates recorded from the region now stands at 116.

Other fauna

In addition to these groups, the survey also recorded a variety of other fauna. Twelve species of frogs, six species of snakes, and 24 species of ants were documented, along with four species of cicadas and 10 species of mammals. Among the mammals, a notable population of otters was observed, highlighting the sanctuary’s rich aquatic ecosystem.

The findings, compiled by TNHS research associate Kalesh Sadasivan, are bound to aid in the sanctuary’s management and conservation strategies. K.N. Shyammohan Lal, Conservator of Forests, Agasthyavanam Biological Park Circle, emphasised the importance of the survey data and praised citizen science for its role in conservation efforts. S. Heeralal, Wildlife Warden of Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary, also highlighted how habitat rehabilitation efforts had contributed to the sanctuary’s improved biodiversity.

The survey was flagged off by Assistant Wildlife Warden Saju T.S. and concluded with the release of the consolidated report on the fauna of the sanctuary.

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