The annual faunal survey begins in Munnar

The annual four-day faunal survey has begun at the Munnar Wildlife Division in Idukki. According to officials, the Faunal survey 2026 will estimate the population of birds, butterflies and odonates (dragonflies) in the wildlife division.

The survey, which runs from May 21 to 24, will assess fauna numbers in Eravikulam National Park (ENP), Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary and Pampadum Shola National Park. Officials said the initiative is being jointly undertaken by Munnar Wildlife Division and Travancore Nature History Society (TNHS).

Nearly 100 members are participating in the survey, which was officially launched in Munnar on Thursday by Munnar Wildlife Warden KV Harikrishnan. After the inauguration, TNHS Director Kalesh conducted an orientation course related to the survey. Eravikulam National Park and Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary Warden Ajikumar along with Shola National Park Assistant Wildlife Warden Anandapadmanabhan KK were among those who attended the session.

According to officials, the survey aims to document the biodiversity of the forests under the Munnar Wildlife Division. “The survey also aims to discover new species of birds, butterflies and odonates in the division. Moreover, it will help determine if there has been any extinction of these species in these forests,” the official said.

Published – 21 May 2026 21:14 IST