Biodiversity sites of Karnataka

The state of Karnataka boasts a rich tapestry of biodiversity, harboring a staggering variety of flora and fauna. Here’s a glimpse into the different types of biodiversity found in Karnataka:

• Tropical Forests: Karnataka is home to several types of tropical forests, including:

  • • Moist Deciduous Forests: These forests receive moderate rainfall and witness seasonal changes. Common trees include teak, sal, and bamboo.
      

      Moist Deciduous Forest Karnataka
   
  • Dry Deciduous Forests: These forests receive less rainfall and have a longer dry season. Common trees include neem, axlewood, and sandalwood.
    

    Dry Deciduous Forest Karnataka
  • Evergreen Forests: These lush forests receive high rainfall throughout the year. Common trees include rosewood, mahogany, and laurel.
    

    Evergreen Forest Karnataka
  • Sholas: These are small, evergreen patches of forests found at higher altitudes in the Western Ghats. They provide a cool and moist habitat for a variety of plants and animals.
    

    Sholas Forest Karnataka

• Western Ghats: This mountain range running along the western coast of India is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots. Karnataka accounts for around 60% of the Western Ghats, known for its:

  • High Endemism: A significant percentage of flora and fauna found here are endemic, meaning they exist nowhere else on Earth.
    

    Western Ghats Karnataka

• Flora: Over 4500 species of flowering plants have been documented in Karnataka, with about 38% being endemic. Some notable plant species include:

  • Rosewood
  • Sandalwood
  • Indian Laurel
  • Honne Hone (Canarium strictum)
    

    Honne Hone Karnataka
  • Velvet Tamarind (Diospyros ebenum)
    

    Velvet Tamarind Karnataka

• Fauna: The state is home to over 150 species of mammals, 500 species of birds, 289 species of fishes, 135 species of amphibians, and 156 species of reptiles. Here are some specific examples:

  • Mammals: Tigers, elephants, leopards, gaurs, sloth bears, lion-tailed macaques, and bonnet macaques.
    

     

    Liontailed macaque Karnataka
  • Birds: Malabar grey hornbill, great hornbill, Indian roller, kingfisher species, and racket-tailed drongo.
    

     

    Malabar grey hornbill Karnataka
  • Reptiles: King cobras, Indian rock pythons, water monitors, and various geckos.
    

    King cobra Karnataka
  • Amphibians: Several frog species, including the endemic wrinkled frog (Nasti frogs).
    

    Wrinkled frog Karnataka

• Coastal and Marine Biodiversity: Karnataka’s coastline stretches for over 300 kilometers, harboring rich marine biodiversity. Here are some key features:

  • Estuaries and Backwaters: Provide critical breeding grounds for fish, shrimp, and crabs.
  • Marine Species: Dolphins, sea turtles, seahorses, and a variety of fish species.
    Estuaries and Backwaters Karnataka

The biodiversity of Karnataka faces threats from habitat loss, hunting, and pollution. Conservation efforts are underway to protect this natural heritage for future generations.