An invertebrate faunal survey organised by the Forest department has affirmed the status of the Mankulam reserve forests as a biodiversity hotspot.
Numerous bird, odonate and butterfly species were detected during the three-day expedition that was recently held in association with the Thiruvananthapuram-based non-governmental organisation Travancore Natural History Society (TNHS) to prepare a faunal inventory for the working plan of the critical wildlife area.
The survey covered all the base camps spread across the Mankulam reserve forests that covers the unique geographical transition of lower Periyar Valley to the Munnar high ranges.
