Treasure Island Kuruva: A Biodiversity Paradise Destination Alongside The Kabini River.

Location

Nestled amidst the serene landscapes of the Kabini River in Kerala, India lies a hidden gem known as Kuruva Island. Nine hundred and fifty acres of protected river delta comprise three densely wooded islands and a few submergible satellite islands.

• This enchanting place is renowned for its remarkable biodiversity, including rare orchid species, lush ferns, and a haven for birds.
• This secluded island is home to numerous bird species, making it a haven for avid bird watchers and nature enthusiasts.
• Kuruva is an uninhabited island that boasts picturesque nature walks, tranquil resting places, and crystal-clear waters that invite visitors to take a refreshing dip.

In this article, we will immerse ourselves in the captivating beauty of Kuruva Island while also exploring the unique experience of bamboo rafting, an eco-friendly way to traverse this natural wonder. 

Unique Features are...

• No human habitation on the island, so you will still find it in its pristine and untouched form.
• The island is famous for its exciting boat rides in the Kabini River and bamboo raft rides that will take you through beautiful surroundings.
•  An excellent spot for butterfly, birdwatching, and wildlife spotting.
• It has a diverse range of flora and fauna. The island is also a favorite of trekkers and hikers who prefer pristine natural surroundings.
• Home to many colorful wild orchid species and medicinal plants.
• Away from the burst of city life, Kuruva Island is a great place to escape the noise and clutter of cities and relax amidst a peaceful natural environment.
• A nature connection walk, is an opportunity to slow down and allow nature to enter our body through all our senses.

Tranquil Bamboo Rafting:

One of the most captivating ways to explore Kuruva Island is through bamboo rafting. 

• This is no ordinary ferry, but a vast raft that is pulled across the river by hand. 
• Ropes are strung across the river on trees at the riverbank. 
• A local boatman pulls us across by heaving on the rope. 
• The traditional bamboo rafts provide a serene and eco-friendly mode of transportation, allowing visitors to traverse the crystal-clear waters of the Kabini River. 
• Guided by skilled local boatmen, this enchanting journey takes you through the island's tranquil waterways, providing glimpses of its abundant wildlife, including birds and reptiles.

 The rhythmic swaying of the bamboo raft against the backdrop of lush greenery creates a sense of harmony with nature's beauty.

 Uninhabited Beauty:

Kuruva Island's untouched and uninhabited landscape makes it a gem for nature lovers. As you step onto the island, there is a breathtaking panorama of lush greenery, dense forests, and meandering streams. 

• This pristine paradise is free from human settlement, allowing visitors to witness nature's undisturbed magnificence and appreciate its untouched beauty.

 

 Nature Walks:

Exploring Kuruva Island is a delight for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. Walking trails, protected by barbed wire, are there to explore the island. 

• The island offers a network of well-laid walking trails that wind through its dense forests, providing an immersive experience amidst diverse flora and fauna.
•  As you meander through the trails, you may come across ancient trees, rare medicinal plants, and bird species.

 Watch out for signs of wildlife as you traverse this natural wonderland.

A Botanical Paradise:

Kuruva Island boasts an exceptional variety of plant life, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts and botanists. 

• The island is home to rare orchid species and medicinal plants that bloom in vibrant shades, casting a spellbinding spell on visitors. 

The island is adorned with lush ferns, creating a verdant paradise that invites exploration. 

• As you navigate the picturesque trails, you will encounter an array of endemic flora, making Kuruva Island a botanical wonder.

Orchid Species at Kuruva Island: (Source: Kerala Forest & Wildlife Department)

No	Name	Distribution and Medicinal Properties.
1	Cottonia peduncularis	Peninsular India & Sri Lanka. It is a reservoir of flavonoids and phenols. It has free radical scavenging activity (semanticscholar.org, 2013)  .
2	Seidenfia rheedei	India to Thailand, Sri Lanka. It has antibacterial properties. (ResearchGate, 2005).
3	Bulbophylum sterile	Peninsular India. It possesses anticancer activity (Biomedicine and Pharmacotherapy,84,2019).
4	Aphyllorchis montana	Indo-Malaysia. It has high antioxidant and antimicrobial properties (ResearchGate. net, Plant Biosystems, 150, 2015)
5	Bulbophylum rheedei	Southern Western Ghats.  It has antibacterial activity. (J. of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, 2016, 5(4), 95).
6	Rhynchostylis retnusa	Indo-Malaysia. It is used as food and a herb for healthcare by tribal people. (Indian J. of Traditional Knowledge, 2009, 18,11-16.
7	Luisia macrantha	Southern Western Ghats. It has antibacterial activity. (J. of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, 2016, 5(4), 95).
8	Eulophia spectabilis	Indo-Malaysia. Used as an antidote for spider poison and snakebite. (ResearchGate. ,2014).
9	Pholidota imbricata	Indo-Malaysia. It has antibacterial and antifungal properties. (J. of Nepal Chem. Society, 29,2012).
10	Vanda thwaitesii	South India & Sri Lanka anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancerous properties. (Ethnobotanical evidence, 2021).

Other medicinal plants:

Plants have been utilized effectively for medicine and food in the day-to-day life of traditional society in Indian villages. 

The tribal and rural communities of this district had their traditions intact till recently and have been using several species for their health security system. Unfortunately, several such species and traditional healing with plants and other biological materials are under threat due to the impact of modern civilization. Most of the medicinal plants identified by  MSSRF were from habitats like wetlands (44), wayside thickets (166), and forests (289) (Anil N et al, 2007). 

• Currently, many of these medicinal plants are available only in interior forests. 
• The local tribal communities walk a long distance inside the forest to collect these plants.

 They mentioned medicinal plants like palluvedana chedi, betel leaf, kacholam, etc.  Among the 637 medicinal plants listed in their publication, trees, and herbs are utilized more for medicinal purposes. Their report shows that about 150 species are collected for their stem, 139 for roots, and 136 for the whole plant. 

Toothache plant

The Local people use another plant for toothache, a fast-growing medicinal plant. It is commonly known as Akravu or Pallu vedana chedi in Malayalam. Its leaves and flower heads contain an analgesic agent that may be the reason to reduce toothaches by chewing its stem or leaf. It is still in use to treat Viper snake biting.  

 

                                                                    Toothache Plant

 Betel Leaf Plant:

The betel leaf plant is a climber that grows 10-15ft with a supporter plant. 

• Betel Leaf is a storehouse of several chemicals. It has much pharmaceutical value. 
• It is an ingredient in the preparation of medicated oil (Murivenna or Chadavenna).

 For the irritation in the skin caused by a spider bite, take the juice of the leaf and apply it with coconut oil. The juice of this plant is used for Nasyam (Ayurvedic treatment). This leaf is also a remedy for removing bad breath by chewing with calcium carbonate and Arecanut. The local people have the habit of chewing betel leaf as an ancient tradition.

                                                             Heart-shaped betel leaves

Holy Basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum)

On the way to Kuruva island, I was able to spot some medicinal plants like Basil, Neem, Indian gooseberry, Aloe vera, Pepper, etc. Holy basil is a green leafy plant native to Southeast Asia. It has a history with Indian medicine for many diseases, from eye problems to ringworms. Chemicals in holy basil may be the reason for decreased pain and swelling. They also might lower blood sugar in people with diabetes. Holy basil oil might act as an antioxidant. People use holy basil for anxiety, stress, diabetes, and high cholesterol. There is no evidence to support this (WebMd). A medically reviewed report (Healthline) says this leafy plant (Ocimum sanctum or Tulsi) is a remedy for different conditions. From the roots to the seed, holy basil is considered a tonic for the body.

• Fresh flowers for bronchitis (Elaine K Luo, 2019)
• Leaves and seeds with black pepper for Malaria 
• Whole plant for diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting (Saurabh Sethi, 2019, Cynthia Taylor, 2023)
• Pill and ointment form for eczema (Clare Wightman, 2023)
• An alcohol extract for stomach ulcers and eye diseases (Judith Marcin, 2018)
• Essential oil from leaves for insect bites (Rungarun Tisgratog et al, 2016)
• Contains vitamin A, C, and  Calcium, Zinc, Iron, and chlorophyll (ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)

Always talk to your doctor before taking supplements. Like many supplements, holy basil is not approved as a first-line treatment.

                                                                       Tulsi (Holy Basil)

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a perennial green herb extensively distributed in hot and dry areas. The colorless mucilaginous gel from Aloe vera is effective for skin problems (ncbi.nlm.nih.gov). Traditionally, this plant is used for burns, wounds, and anti-inflammatory processes. It has other therapeutic properties like anticancer, anti-oxidant, anti-diabetic, and antihyperlipidemic. It contains more than 75 different compounds, including vitamins (vitamins A, C, E, and B12), enzymes (amylase, catalase, and peroxidase), minerals (Zinc, copper, selenium, and calcium), sugars (monosaccharides such as mannose-6-phosphate and polysaccharides such as glucomannans), anthraquinones (aloin and emodin), fatty acids (lupeol and campesterol), hormones (auxins and gibberellins), and others (salicylic acid, lignin, and saponins) (Surjushe A, 2008. ,  Malik I, 2003. ,  and Mann A A,  2018) 

It is well-known for its therapeutic and beauty benefits. Aloe vera soap and gel contain several nutrients like glycerine, sodium palmate, sodium carbonate, sorbitol, etc. These are good for the skin and nourish your skin from within, giving you the skin that glows with health. It is widely used for face packs to enhance moisture on the skin. Aloe vera also has an anti-aging property. It reduces inflammation. A mixture of massage oil and aloe vera gel is effective for body massaging.

 

Significant Properties of Aloe vera:

• Effective in the prevention and treatment of gingivitis, and gastroesophageal disease). (Panahi Y et al, 2015)
• Improves skin elasticity and reduces facial wrinkles by stimulating hyaluronic acid and collagen production
• Anti-inflammatory activity (able to inhibit cytokines, ROS production, etc.).
• Reduce tobacco-associated cancer
• Reduces sugar level 
• Vitamin B12 and folic acid in Aloe vera can keep your hair from falling out 
• Antioxidant (reduces ROS production).
• Cardioprotective effect (aloe-emodin could alleviate hyperlipidemia by reducing total cholesterol)

 

                                                                       Aloe Vera

Pepper Plant

Black pepper is more than a kitchen staple. It is the king of spices. A benefit of consuming black pepper is it aids weight loss. It is best for digestion and prevents cancer by detoxifying the body. When added to the food, it makes your food taste and spicier. Black pepper cleans your intestines and stomach. Pepper was an ingredient in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years due to its high concentration of potent, beneficial plant compounds. (Health line). Some medicinally reviewed facts about this precious spice are (Pharm Easy):

•  Helps in losing weight  
•  Detoxifies your body
•  Prevents cancer
•  Cleans intestines and stomach
•  It consists of potassium that helps in regulating heart rate and high blood pressure
•  Helps in producing red blood cells
•  Rich in vitamin B and produces calcium
•  Prevents constipation
•  Prevents skin deformation and wrinkles
•  Used for the treatment of depression (chewing black pepper releases mood-inducing chemicals to the brain that will keep your mind calm and soothing all the time).

                                                                          Pepper Plant

Indian Gooseberry:

The medicinal properties of gooseberry are well known. It is a deciduous tree of the family Phyllanthaceae. It reduces total cholesterol levels. The fruit is rich in vitamin C and purported to have potential antioxidant and heart health benefits. It is the primary ingredient in an ancient herbal Chyawanprash. I could not spot any fruit because it was flowering season. Local people said that the fruits of this type of gooseberry (Nadan Nelli) were small in size but best for making pickles and wines (WebMd).

Health benefits:

• Boost your immunity
• Good for heart health
• Good for skin and hair
• Reduces inflammation 
• Rich source of fibre
• Great for diabetes

                                                            Nadan Nelli (gooseberry flower)                                            

Neem Plant

The Neem tree elaborates on a vast array of biologically active compounds that are chemically diverse and structurally complex. Researchers isolated more than 140 compounds from the Neem tree. Ayurveda, Unani, and Homoeopathic medicines use these compounds for treatment. Neem elaborates a vast array of biologically active compounds that are chemically diverse and structurally complex. All parts of the tree (leaves, flowers, seeds, roots, fruits, bark) are used traditionally for the treatment of inflammation, infections, fever, skin diseases, and dental disorders (ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) 

                         

                                                                    Neem Plant

 Birding Hotspots:

Kuruva Island boasts several prime birding locations that provide excellent opportunities for sighting different species. This island is home to rare species of birds like the Malabar Grey Hornbill, Malabar Trogon, and the Indian Pitta. The island's dense forests and thick vegetation create ideal habitats for resident and migratory birds. The walking trails that wind through the island offer birdwatchers a chance to explore different ecosystems, from the evergreen forests to the riverside thickets. Keep your binoculars and cameras ready as you traverse the trails, for you never know what feathered beauty may reveal itself along the way. 

 As per the estimate of Wayanad North Forest division, we can watch one hundred and twenty-two (122) species of birds. Being a part of the Western Ghats, one of the 34 biodiversity hotspots in the world, it has immense floral and faunal significance. Malabar Grey Hornbill, Indian Pitta, Malabar Trogon, Asian Paradise Flycatcher, White-Rumped Shama, Blue Winged Parakeet, Malabar Whistling Thrush, Ceylon Frogmouth, Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, Indian Hanging Parrot, Velvet Fronted Nut hatch, etc. (Binoy T A, 2017)These are some of the unique birds that attract bird watchers to this paradise. 

Asian Paradise Flycatchers found habitats in deciduous, evergreen, and bamboo forests with thick shrubbery on the ground. The adult Flycatcher measures about 19-22 cm in length. Their legs are relatively short. They mainly feed on insects captured in the air. Breeding season is from May to July. They are monogamous and both share their duties of constructing the nest, incubating the eggs, and feeding and protecting the young. They typically live in areas with an average annual rainfall between 600 mm to 2000 mm. 

                                                                        Asian Paradise Flycatcher

Hanging parrots are a group of small parrots from tropical southern Asia. About 13 cm long, mostly green-plumaged and short-tailed. Head color helps to identify individual species. They are unique among birds for their ability to sleep upside down. 

Hanging Parrots

The White-Rumped Shama is a passerine bird. Native to densely vegetated habitats in the Indian Subcontinent. Its popularity is as a cage bird and songster. The bird is shy and somewhat crepuscular but very territorial (Rasmussen PC, 2005). The territories include a male and a female during the breeding season. Each sex may have different territories when they are not breeding. In South Asia, they breed from January to September, mainly from April to June laying a clutch of four or five eggs in a nest placed in the hollow of a tree (Whistler H, 1949). The nest is built by the female alone while the male stands guard (Ali S and Ripley SD, 1973).

                                                White-Rumped Shama

Velvet-fronted Nuthatch is a passerine bird in South Asia, India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. It is the only Nuthatch occurring in tropical lowland forests (earthlife.net). Beautifully marked Nuthatch is 12.5 cm long and weighs 9 to 17 grams. A colorful bird with a violet-blue upper part, lesser and medium upper wing coverts, and upper tail area. Open evergreen forests are their preferred habitat. This bird is known to reside and breed in forest mangroves and mixed woodland. 

Velvet-fronted Nuthatch

The Malabar whistling thrush is in the family of Muscicapidae. The bird has been called whistling schoolboy for the whistling calls they make at dawn that have a very human quality (McCann. C, 1931). These birds are found in dark undergrowth in dense riverine forests (Rasmussen PC & Anderton JC 2005). They are usually seen singly or in pairs. Wherever there is a suitable habitat, they choose it close to human habitation. The male sings its varied and melodious whistling song from trees during summer. They may sing for a long time around dawn. Other times of the day, often utter sharp single or two-note high-pitched whistles. They were once popular as cage birds, with the ability to learn entire tunes. They usually bathe frequently in water in the mornings and evenings but also at midday during hot weather.

                 Malabar whistling thrush

Blue Winged Parakeet is a species endemic to the Western Ghats of South India. They are found in small flocks and fly in forest clearings making screeching calls that differ from those of other parakeet species within their distribution range.

Blue Winged Parakeet 

Malabar Grey Hornbill is endemic to the Western Ghats and associated hills of South India. It has a large beak and no casque. They are found mainly in dense forests and coffee plantations.

Malabar Grey Hornbill

Indian pitta is a passerine bird

native to the Indian subcontinent. Although very colorful, it is usually shy and served hidden in the undergrowth where it picks insects on the forest floor. It migrates to all parts of Peninsular India.

                              

                                                                                    

                                                        

Malabar trogon belongs to the trogon family, found in the Western Ghats. The species is becoming rare in many parts of India. It is sensitive to forest fragmentation. Their flight is fast. They are reluctant to fly any distance (Raman T R S, 2006). They typically perch upright.

                                            Malabar trogon

Water Birds:

We can watch water birds like River terns, herons, etc., on the way to Kuruva on a bamboo raft. River Tern is a tern in the family Laridae. It is a resident breeder along the inland rivers of the Indian subcontinent. We can exclusively find them in freshwater.

Herons appear in the low land area; most species are in the tropics.

Butterfly Haven:

For butterfly enthusiasts, Kuruva Island is a magical destination. With its varied habitats and abundant nectar sources, this island has become a prime location for these delicate creatures to rest, feed, and breed. As you stroll through the island's meandering paths, you will witness vibrant butterflies fluttering gracefully, adding a touch of elegance to the already breathtaking surroundings. This mesmerizing sight offers a unique opportunity to observe the delicate dance of nature up close.

Butterfly survey records one hundred and seventy-eight (178) species of butterflies in Wayanad. The survey report reveals that, among the 178 species of butterflies, 43 species of skippers, 44 species of blues, 15 species of swallowtails, 19 white and yellows, and 57 species of brush-footed butterflies. The sighting of 178 species of butterflies is evidence of a healthy butterfly habitat in the region. The report reveals the sighting of rare species of onyx butterflies and the first time appearance of Sahyadri banded tail at north Wayanad, including nine endemic to the Western Ghats region. The survey reveals that butterfly diversity in the forest areas of the region is vulnerable to climatic changes. It also assessed the availability of nectar and larval plant slant, essential for the survival of butterflies.

Blue tiger butterfly migrates extensively during the monsoon in South India. It has a wingspan of 89 to 100 mm. The males are smaller than the females. The upper side of the wing is dark brown to black and patterned with bluish-white, semi-transparent spots and lines (Krushnamegh Kunte, 2000). Studies on blue butterflies show that their flight activity increases with high-intensity light. The dark areas on the wing surfaces are the heat absorption areas that facilitate autonomous flight.                           ..                                                     ...Blue tiger butterfly

 

Butterfly flower, grass, insect, nature, white, wing, colorful

 

      Tirumala septentrions, dark blue tiger butterfly, black, leaf, bright, nature, insect 

Public D

 

  

The common tiger butterfly

Draco:

The flying lizard called Draco dussumieri or Indian flying lizard is a species in the family of Agamidae. This species is capable of gliding from tree to tree. We can watch them in the Western Ghats and some other hill forests of South India. They fly to adjoining trees by expanding the patagium. Loose skin on the sides of the body is supported by elongated ribs to act as wings. 

                                                                   Indian flying lizard

Presence of Other Wild Animals:

On the way to Kuruva Island, I was able to spot Elephants, Peacocks and Monkeys. They seem permanent residents of the island. From the dark forests of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, the wild bulls, tigers, and elephants occasionally swim to the safe haven of Kuruva Island. Sometimes they stay on the island until the rainy season. They wander inside the island by swallowing the green bamboo and throwing the dumplings into the water.

Malabar Giant Squirrel is a big multi-colored tree squirrel species endemic to forests and woodlands in India. It is a diurnal, arboreal, and mainly herbivorous squirrel.

                                                                Malabar Giant Squirrel 

Mugger crocodiles (Crocodylus palustris) are the keystone species of the freshwater ecosystem. Wayanad holds a considerable population of Mugger crocodiles starting from Panamaram to Kabini River at the Kerala-Karnataka border. 

Honeybees:

Four types of honeybees are there in the region, which include puttuthen (Apis cerana), kolthen or kombuthen (Api florea), malanthen (Apis dorsata), and cheruthen (Trigona or sting-less bee). Honey from native stingless bees (NSBs) contains different phytochemical compounds (phenolic acids and flavonoids) and has multiple biological activities (hydrogen peroxide) related to antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. The antimicrobial action of honey from NSBs results from the high osmolarity due to the effect of hydrogen peroxide, which is produced slowly and sustainably by the enzyme glucose oxidase. Furthermore, in vitro, assays with NSB honey have shown that the chemical properties of Phenolic acids and flavonoids play a significant role in promoting bioactivities, being recommended for therapeutic use for the treatment of various diseases such as cancer and neurological disorders, to counteract aging and to treat inflammation (Jesus F Martinez et al,  2022).

Residents of Kerala, including Wayanad, keep beehives of cheruthen (Trigona) in their homes. Trigona bees are small compared to that of dwarf ones.

                                                                    Trigona honeybee

The tribal people get honey mainly from the first two categories. Apis florea, called dwarf honeybee, and Apis dorsata make hives on the same tree. The tribal people call it the honey tree. The kombuthen harvest lasts till July end. The puttuthen harvest will continue till the end of September. 

                                                                 Dwarf honeybee, 

We can collect fresh honey from Kuruva island. I collected raw honey from the Kuruva community and preserved one from an outlet in pure form. Raw honey is light in color.

Wild raw honey filtered using a clean cloth

       Wild preserved honey from the outlet

Spices:

We can get organic spices and other handpicked products nurtured with love from the farmlands. They are pepper, clove, cardamom, turmeric, coffee, arrowroot, etc. I collected raw turmeric from Thiruvananthapuram and Kuruva islands. I blended it after washing and drying it. The product of Kuruva island is color full. The difference in their texture is observable. 

Turmeric from Thiruvananthapuram (left) and Kuruva outlet (right).

Fish species of Kabini River:

A study on fish species of Kabini estimated a total of 136 fish species belonging to 13 orders, 29 families, and 69 genera (Dencin Rons Thampy et al. 2021).  The report revealed that the assemblage and diversity of fishes are greatly dependent on the climatic conditions and vary between seasons, with several species available only during the monsoon.

 

Ecological Conservation:

Kuruva Island is a place of stunning natural beauty, a testament to ecological conservation efforts.

The island is carefully preserved and maintained to protect its delicate ecosystems and rare species. Visitors are encouraged to respect the environment, follow designated trails, and avoid disturbing the flora and fauna.

This commitment to conservation ensures that future generations can continue to cherish and appreciate the unparalleled beauty of Kuruva Island.

Tranquil Resting Places:

Kuruva Island provides several idyllic resting places along its trails, allowing visitors to pause and immerse themselves in the serene ambiance of the island.

The well-maintained resting spots offer shade, seating areas, and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

You can take a moment to recharge, absorb the tranquil atmosphere, and listen to the soothing sounds of the river as it flows by.

Resting place

Crystal Clear Waters:

Kuruva Island is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in its refreshing embrace.

The island features numerous shallow streams and pools with transparent waters where visitors can take a shower or dip their feet.

These pristine waters provide a soothing reprieve on warm days and allow for an intimate connection with the island's natural environment. Kuruva Island stands as a testament to the remarkable biodiversity found along the banks of the Kabini River.

From its rare orchid species and lush ferns to its vibrant bird population, the island offers true immersion into the wonders of nature.

A dip in crystal clear water of the Kabini river

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Ali S and Ripley SD, Handbook of the birds of India and Pakistan, Oxford, University Press, Bombay,1973, Vol. 8.

Report of Wayanad  North Forest Division - Kuruva Island.

Butterfly survey report of Wayanad. 

Kerala Forest and Wildlife Department, &ebird.org/hotspot/L3287274.

Binoy T A, Ecotourism and Environmental Sustainability-An Evaluative Study on Kuruva Island in Wayanad, Kerala, 2017, 12, 1,6-83.

Raman T R S, Effect of habitat structure and adjacent habitats on birds in Tropical Rain forest fragments and shaded plantations in the Western Ghats, India, Biodiversity conserve, 2006, 15,1577-1607.

 

McCann. C, Notes on Malabar Whistling Thrush, J.Bombay Nat. Soc., 1931, 35(1),202-204.

Rasmussen PC & Anderton JC, Birds of South Asia: The Ripley Guide. Vol. 2, 2005, 371.

Krushnamegh Kunte, Lifescape: Butterflies of peninsular India, University Press, 2000, 143.

Dencin Rons Thampy et. al, Ichthyofaunal diversity in the upper-catchment of Kabini River in Wayanad part of Western Ghats, India, Journal of Threatened Taxa, 2021, Vol. 13, No. 2, 17651–17669.

Whistler H, Popular handbook of Indian birds, Gurney and Jackson,1949, 110.

N. Anil Kumar et al, 'Medicinal Plants known from Wayand: A checklist with Local Names, Botanical Names', Habit and Habitat, 2007.

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