Kerala at a Glance

State Bird

The Greate  Indian Hornbill (Buceros bicornis) is Kerala's state bird, the biggest member in the hornbill family; normally found in Kerala's evergreen forests as well as the western region oh India. Greate Indian hornbill is mainly a fruit eater with berries as its choicest ones. But it also feeds on insects,lizards,snakes and other nestling birds too! with their large beaks they swallow the food as a whole instead of breaking it into smaller parts. Female hornbills use hollows in big tree trunks to build their nests. Afterwards they remain in the nests till their chicks are partly developed; during this time it is the male's duty to fetch food for all. Though long-lived, even up to 50 years, these elegant birds are presently threatened with extinction due to destruction of their habitats and poaching for medicine and food. Various efforts are on to conserve the greate Indian Hornbills.

State Animal

Asian Elephant (Elephas maximus), more popularly known as the Indian Elephant is the state animal of Kerala. Elephants have been an integral part of Kerala's culture and heritage since ancient times. These majestic animals adorned every King's prized possessions. The Coat of Arms of former Kerala Kingdoms (Travancore and Cochin) depicted elephants. Even the modern state of Kerala acknowledges the role of elephants in the state's culture by incorporating them in the state's symbol. Several temples in Kerala have elephants (mainly contributed by devotees as prized offerings). Notable among them is the famous Lord Krishna Temple at Guruvayur with more than elephants. Elephant is a symbol in Kerala. The population of wild elephants is estimated  to be around 6000 in Kerala. These gentle giants are now being treated as protected animals.

State Fish

Pearl spot, which in local language is known as 'Karimeen', (Etroplus surratensis) is the state fish of Kerala. This backwater fish is found in abundance along the southwest coasts of Kerala backwaters - Ashtamudi and Vembanadu. This short oval-shaped fish got its name due to the presence of white pearly spots and irregular black spots over its body. The species shows declining trend in its distributional range. Proper maintenance, the state observed 2010-2011 as the 'Year of Karimeen'.

State Flower

Kerala's state flower is ' Kani-konn',the  Malayalam name for the Indian Laburnum or Golden shower tree (Cassia fistula). Generally a medium sized, semi- evergreen tree, the Golden shower trees bloom mostly during the Malayalam month of Medam (April-May) when the people of Kerala celebrate 'Vishu'. When fully bloomed, the Golden shower tree is a treat to watch. These yellow Kani-Konna flowers are of religious significance too. They are used to setup the 'Vishukani', an arrangement of auspicious articles, which is intended to welcome the New Year on a high note. Keralites begin the Vishu day by sighting the Vishukani, a sign of forthcoming fortunes.

 

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