Kozhikode district in Kerala has become the first in the state to officially designate eight emblematic species as its representative symbols under a public-participatory, science-backed biodiversity survey. This marks Kerala’s first people-driven biodiversity declaration.
Key Highlights
Declared Official Species of Kozhikode
| Biodiversity Category | Declared Species | Scientific Name |
| Flower | Athirani | Melastoma malabathricum |
| Bird | Meniponman / Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher | Ceyx erithaca |
| Butterfly | Malabar Rose | Pachliopta pandiyana |
| Tree | Eeyakam | Hopea erosa |
| Heritage Tree | Eenthu (Sago Palm) | Cycas circinalis |
| Aquatic Animal | Smooth-coated Otter | Lutrogale perspicillata |
| Fish | Pathala Poontharakan (a rare subterranean fish) | Pangio bhujia |
| Animal (Mammal) | Indian Pangolin | Manis crassicaudata |
Significance of Initiative
- First such declaration in Kerala made via community-based biodiversity survey.
- Aimed to raise public awareness, conservation interest, and celebrate Kozhikode’s rich biodiversity.
- Integrated into the 2024–25 Annual Plan of the Kozhikode District Panchayat.
- Supported by the Kerala State Biodiversity Board (KSBB).
Selection Process
- Coordinated by Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs).
- Public nominations invited at the local level.
- Expert committees formed for each category to assess nominations.
- Selections based on:
- Ecological significance
- Cultural relevance
- Public visibility and awareness
- Endemic or threatened status
Comparison with Past Initiatives
- Kasaragod had a biodiversity declaration two years ago but was expert-led, not participatory.
- Kozhikode’s effort is Kerala’s first people’s biodiversity declaration, involving grassroots participation and scientific validation.