Authors: Dr. Kalesh.S, Sanjayan. K.B, Jayakumar.K, Ramesh.M, Kiran.C.G, Charan.H, Baiju.K
The Achankovil Reserve Forests (900’N- 908’N, 7700’E-77015’E) lies in the proximal drainage area of Achankovil River (Fig.1). The Achankovil Reserve Forests are one of the relatively less explored areas as far as Lepidopteran Fauna is concerned. This survey is the first in the series planned to map the faunal wealth of Achankovil Region and this initial step hoped to generate background data for future works in region. The survey team visited Achankovil region for a period of three days in February 2010. Transect method was used for preparing the Faunal checklists. The Butterfly diversity was particularly impressive even in the dry month at Kanayar and Vazhaperiyar. An impressive 119 species of butterflies were recorded including Travancore Evening Brown Parantirrhoea marshallii, Golden Tree flitter Quedara basiflava, Spotted Angle Caprona agama, and Orchid tit Chliaria othona over three days.
A total of 96 species of birds were recorded which included endemic birds like Small sunbird Nectarinia minima, Southern tree pie Dendrocitta leucogastra, Malabar grey hornbill Ocyceros griseus. A good population of Ruby-throated bulbul Pycnonotus melanicterus was also observed. Twelve species of reptiles and 4 species of Amphibians were noted. The riparian stretches were a good habitat for Odonates and 33 species of them were recorded. The presence of 13 species of mammals was noted including Lion-tailed macaques & Nilgiri langurs. The fish population observed was phenomenal and it included the endemic and threatened species like Puntius denisonii, a total of 11 species were recorded. The major threats observed were logging for Softwood industry, harvesting of Ochlandra reed which might threaten existence of Parantirrhoea marshallii, and Fishing activities that may affect threatened species like Puntius denisonii.
The Achankovil Reserve Forests (900’N- 908’N, 7700’E-77015’E) lies in the proximal drainage area of Achankovil River (Fig.1). The Achankovil Reserve Forests are one of the relatively less explored areas as far as Lepidopteran Fauna is concerned. This survey is the first in the series planned to map the faunal wealth of Achankovil Region and this initial step hoped to generate background data for future works in region. The survey team visited Achankovil region for a period of three days in February 2010. Transect method was used for preparing the Faunal checklists. The Butterfly diversity was particularly impressive even in the dry month at Kanayar and Vazhaperiyar. An impressive 119 species of butterflies were recorded including Travancore Evening Brown Parantirrhoea marshallii, Golden Tree flitter Quedara basiflava, Spotted Angle Caprona agama, and Orchid tit Chliaria othona over three days. 
This survey is the first in the series planned to map the faunal wealth of Achankovil Region and in this initial step we hope to generate background data for all future works in region. The Achankovil Reserve Forests are one of the relatively less explored areas as far as Lepidopteran Fauna is concerned. The Biodiversity of the region was impressive. The Butterfly diversity was particularly striking even in the dry month of February at Kanayar and Vazhaperiyar. An impressive 119 species of butterflies were recorded. The presence of Travancore Evening Brown Parantirrhoea marshallii was significant. Other important species recorded were Golden Tree flitter Quedara basiflava, Spotted Angle Caprona agama, and Orchid tit Chliaria othona. A total of 96 species of birds were recorded which included endemic birds like Small sunbird, Southern tree pie, Malabar grey hornbill. A good population of Ruby- throated bulbul Pycnonotus melanicterus was also observed.
Twelve species of reptiles and 4 species of Amphibians were noted. The riparian stretches were a good habitat for Odonates and 33 species of them were recorded. The presences of 13 species of mammals were noted.The region has good primate population of Lion-tailed macaques, Nilgiri langurs and Bonnet macaques. The fish population observed was very diverse and it included the endemic and threatened species like Puntius denisonii, a total of 11 species were recorded.
The major threats observed were logging for Softwood industry, harvesting of the endemic Ochlandra reed which might threaten existence of our another endemic species- The Travancore Evening brown Parantirrhoea marshallii and Fishing that may affect already threatened species like Puntius denisonii. The data gathered from is study makes it evident that this uniquely bio-diverse area with its interestingly rich animal and plant species needs a long-term strategic plan to conserve it. We sincerely hope that the concerned authorities will take necessary steps for the same.
The detailed report is currently in press for publication.
Acknowledgements
We sincerely thank Kerala Forest Department for granting permission to undertake the study. We would specially thank Mr.Vijayakumar IFS DCF, Mr Y.M.Shajikumar DFO Achankovil Divison, Mr. S.S.Jayanth Kumar Range Officers Achankovil, and Mr.N.S Girishkumar Range Officer Kanayar Division. We express our sincere thanks to and Mr. Prasad. P Nair Achankovil for help with logistics and staff Forest Department Achankovil for their help and assistance in field.
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