Kelakam: Kelakam Panchayat President C T Aneesh, Vice President Thankamma Melekkutt, Panchayat Standing Committee Chairpersons Tomy Pulikkakandam, Sajeevan Palumi, Preetha Gangadharan, and butterfly observer Vimal Kumar announced that 'Oakkila' – a research book on butterflies – will be released on the 16th in Thiruvananthapuram.

Minister M B Rajesh will release the book at the Chief Minister's award distribution ceremony for 'Pachathuruthukal' (Green Islets).

This is a research book about 167 species of butterflies found in Kelakam Panchayat. Kelakam Panchayat and Haritha Keralam Mission are jointly publishing the book. This study was prompted by the annual migration of Common Albatross butterflies along the banks of the Cheenkanni River, which flows through the panchayat's border, and the gathering of Blue Tiger butterfly species observed in Palukachhi in 2024.

Nishad Manathana, an environmental activist and former resource person for the Haritha Keralam Mission, was tasked with studying the butterflies in the panchayat.

As part of a six-month observation and study conducted by Nishad Manathana and butterfly observer Vimal Kumar, 167 species of butterflies were identified and photographed from various parts of the panchayat.

The book was prepared by incorporating these photographs, brief descriptions, and articles by experts in the field. This is the first time in the country that a Panchayat is publishing such a research book on butterflies.

The highest number of butterfly species in Kerala are found in Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary. Over 257 species of butterflies have been identified in Aralam. Due to this distinction, the state government has declared Aralam as the first butterfly sanctuary.

Due to its proximity to the Aralam Butterfly Sanctuary and the presence of the biodiversity-rich Palukachimala and Wayanad Reserve Forest, Kelakam also boasts a significant butterfly presence. It is possible to find as many or more butterfly species in Kelakam Panchayat as have been found in the Aralam Butterfly Sanctuary.

Three butterfly species not yet recorded in Aralam Butterfly Sanctuary – Swethambari, Muna Sooryashalabham (Sunbeam), and Pulliparappan (Spotted Grass Dart) – were found in Palukachhi and Malayampadi.