Siberian stonechat
Thrissur: A four-day wildlife survey conducted in the Peechi wildlife division has recorded 395 species of birds, butterflies, dragonflies and damselflies, adding 36 species to the existing checklists.
The survey documented 165 bird species, 174 butterfly species and 56 species of dragonflies and damselflies, according to the organisers. The butterfly survey documented 174 species, including 22 additions to the existing checklist. The survey also recorded 56 species of dragonflies and damselflies, collectively known as odonates, adding six species to the existing checklist.
Kalesh Sadasivan of TNHS said the additions to the checklists and the presence of species endemic to the Western Ghats highlighted the importance of systematic seasonal surveys and scientific verification of species records. Seasonal surveys would support conservation efforts in the region, he said. The bird survey recorded eight additions to the existing checklist. Notable records included the Malabar lark, purple heron, Siberian stonechat and eastern yellow wagtail. Five of the recorded bird species are endemic to the Western Ghats, including the Malabar grey hornbill, Malabar parakeet and crimson-backed sunbird. Notable additions included the Sahyadri plain puffin, common map, Sahyadri colour sergeant, bicolour ace and orange-spotted ace. Eleven of the recorded butterfly species are endemic to the Western Ghats. Eight of the recorded odonate species are endemic to the Western Ghats.