Survey discovers six new species from Periyar Tiger Reserve in Kerala

Golden-headed Cisticola (Cisticola exilis). | Photo credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

A four-day faunal survey that highlighted the rich biodiversity of the Periyar Tiger Reserve (PTR) in Keralam’s Thekkady recorded six species previously undocumented in the reserve, including one bird, one butterfly and four odonate species.

According to officials, the newly recorded bird species is the golden-headed cisticola (Cisticola exilis). A total of 174 bird species were documented during the exercise, bringing the cumulative number of birds in the reserve to 347.

The survey also recorded the onyx butterfly (Horaga onyx). During the four-day event, 192 butterfly species were observed, bringing the total number of documented butterfly species in the reserve to 284.

Common onyx butterfly (Horaga onyx). | Photo credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Odonate species

In addition, four species of odonates (dragonflies and damselflies) were recorded for the first time in the reserve: the budgerigar parakeet (Gynacantha millardi), the Fraser’s clubfoot (Acrogomphus fraseri), the spiny hornbill (Burmagomphus chaukulensis) and the nilgiri claw (Lamelgiriomphus). With a total of 68 documented odonate species, the collection checklist for PTR 111 is now consolidated.

Spiny Horntail (Burmagomphus chaukulensis). | Photo credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

In addition to birds, butterflies, and odonates, the composite assessment documented 15 mammal species, 30 spiders, 34 ants, and five cicada species.

Kalesh Sadasivan, research associate of the Travancore Nature History Society (TNHS), noted that the golden-headed cisticola is a rare species that is usually found at higher altitudes. He added that the findings reflect the importance of the reserve’s altitudinal gradient, evergreen forests, grasslands and ecotonal habitats in supporting diverse wildlife communities.

“The healthy ecosystem and unpolluted water bodies in the PTR are behind these new records. Surveys have been conducted regularly over the past decade and have consistently documented new additions,” said Dr. Sadasivan.

The necessity of surveys

PP Pramod, Field Director, PTR, said the addition of six new distribution records in an area as intensively studied as Periyar highlights the need for systematic biodiversity surveys. “These studies help us understand changes in species distribution and habitat use and strengthen the evidence base for long-term conservation management,” he said.

“The survey covered widely separated camps representing different altitudes, habitats and accessibility levels,” said Periyar East Divisional Deputy Director Midhun Mohan.

Fraser’s tail (Acrogomphus fraseri). | Photo credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Held from September 10 to 13, the survey was a collaborative effort involving 75 delegates from 21 NGOs, academic and research institutions along with forest department officials and frontline staff. Participants were organized into 21 teams spread across 20 active base camps to cover all major ecological zones of the tiger reserve.

Published – 22 Sep 2026 07:00 IST