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The state of Karnataka located in South India has a rich diversity of flora and fauna. It has a recorded forest area of 38720 km² which constitutes 20.19% of the total geographical area of the state.[1] These forests support 25% of the elephant population and 15% of the tiger population of India.[1] Many regions of Karnataka are as yet unexplored and new species of flora and fauna are found periodically. The mountains of Western Ghats which are in the western region of Karnataka are a biodiversity hotspot. Two sub-clusters of these Western Ghats viz. Talacauvery and Kudremukh which are located in Karnataka are in the tentative list of sites that could be designated as World Heritage Site by UNESCO.[2] The Bandipur and Nagarahole national parks which fall outside these subclusters were included in the Nilgiri biosphere reserve in 1986, a UNESCO designation.[3] The state bird and state animal of Karnataka are Indian Roller and the Indian Elephant respectively. The state tree and state flower are Sandalwood (Santalum album) and lotus respectively.[4] Karnataka has the highest no of tigers than any state in the country.
Karnataka has five national parks.
This park is present in the Uttara Kannada district and spreads over an area of 250 km². The altitude varies from 27 metres (89 ft) to 927 metres (3,041 ft), and temperatures from 15 °C to 35 °C. Average annual rainfall is about 4,700 millimetres (185 in) .
It is situated within Chamarajanagar district covering an area of over 800 km² and adjoins the states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. In 1973, Bandipur became one of the first of India's Tiger Reserves and became a part of Project Tiger. In 1974, intention was declared under the Wildlife Protection Act to notify it as a National Park.
It is located in Bengalooru district and covers over 115 km² of area. Altitude varies from 740 metres (2,428 ft) to 1,034 metres (3,392 ft), temperature from 20° to 35 °C and the average annual rainfall is 700 millimetres (28 in).
Spread over an area of 600.32 km² it encompasses regions in the districts of Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Chikmagalur. Altitude varies from 134 metres (440 ft) to 1,892 metres (6,207 ft). The park has a pleasant climate, with temperatures ranging from 17° to 28 °C. Annual rainfall varies from 1,778 millimetres (70 in) to 6,350 millimetres (250 in), with an average of 4,000 millimetres (157 in). The rivers Nethravati, Tunga and Bhadra are believed to originate here at Ganga Moola.
Also known as Rajiv Gandhi (Nagarahole) National Park gets its name from the Nagara Hole (Snake River in Kannada) which runs eastwards through its centre. Nagarahole river flows through the park before it joins the Kabini river that also acts as a boundary between Nagarahole and Bandipur. The park covers an area of about 575 km². The Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary of Kerala adjoins to the Southeast.
Karnataka also has the following 18 wildlife sanctuaries:
Due to various issues, flora and fauna in some parts of Karnataka are being threatened. These issues include poaching, human–wildlife conflict, habitat destruction, pollution and introduction of invasive new species.
Despite the best efforts of conservation activists, poaching remains one of the serious problems affecting the flora and fauna in the state. Between the years 1997-2001, a total of 98 elephants have succumbed to poaching in Karnataka.[19] Poaching has also affected the breeding of turtles like Olive Ridley on the beaches of Karnataka as well as otters on the river banks. Tigers are also another species that are threatened to extinction by poachers.[20] Sandalwood, famed for its sculptures and its aroma is frequently poached out of the forests of Karnataka. Teakwood, famed for the furniture is another species of flora affected by this problem. Staff-shortage, lack of adequate funds and unscientific anti-poaching camps are some of the reasons quoted for continued poaching activities.[20] Travellers runs in these snake's forest they have to travel in glass covered buses so that traveler can escape from snake fall over these running buses, ďè
Some of the activities that are causing a destruction of habitat of flora and fauna in Karnataka are:
Due to the loss of habitat, more and more species of fauna have started to venture into human habitation causing a conflict between humans and fauna. A typical species affected by this is the elephant which ventures out of the forest into human cultivations thereby eating or destroying the crops. In some cases, the elephants have also caused human deaths like an incident that happened in Hassan district where a villager was trampled to death.[22] Precautionary measures (sometimes illegally) taken up by humans to prevent such mishaps like electric fencing have also led to disastrous consequences like electrocution of fauna.[23]
Release of industrial waste and human effluents into rivers have caused significant damages to species that reside in rivers and riverbanks. Air pollution is also a significant cause of concern in metros like Bangalore where it has been found that air pollution is discolouring foliage including those of ornamental plants.[24] A comparison of the lichen flora of the garden Lal Bagh in Bangalore has revealed that 18 of the 22 species noted in 1980 were no longer present in 1997.[19] Pollution in rivers like Kabini, Kaveri and Ghataprabha has caused sharp reduction in populations of bird species, including beneficial insectivorous birds like drongos, as well as honeybees.[19]
Introduction of new species into a habitat has caused serious consequences to the existing species of flora and fauna. A typical example is the introduction of the African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) in the lakes and rivers of Karnataka. This is a carnivorous fish and has caused serious damage to the indigenous fauna living in those lakes and rivers.[19] Weeds like Eupatorium, Lantana and Parthenium have invaded large tracts of land causing destruction. An increase in Eupatorium is attributed as one of the causes for the spread of the deadly Kyasanur Forest disease (which has a morbidity rate of 10%) among humans since it harbors tick populations that are vectors for this disease.[19] Eucalyptus plantations in the Ranibennur Blackbuck sanctuary has seriously harmed the extremely rare Great Indian Bustard.[19]
Various conservation activities are in progress to protect the biodiversity present in Karnataka. These activities are mostly done by the Forest Department of the State of Karnataka and other voluntary organisations.
The presence of human habitation within the core area of reserved forests poses many problems like human–wildlife conflict and destruction of habitat due to agriculture and cattle grazing. Systematic efforts have been made to relocate some of this population into proper zones outside the protected area. An example is the relocation of some villagers from Bhagawathi and Nassehalla habitations within the Kudremukh National Park to safer regions outside it.[25]
New scientific methods are being used to protect the flora and fauna. Some of these are:
It is highly important to keep up the morale of forest wardens and other staff members involved in anti-poaching activities and field trips. It is also necessary to keep them up-to-date on the technology and wildlife related laws. The following steps were implemented to address this issue:[27]
Many areas of Karnataka, especially in the forests of Malnad region are unexplored and new species of flora and fauna are discovered periodically. Some of the new species of flora discovered in Karnataka include Paracautleya bhatii (a ginger) and Isachne veldkampii (a grass), both of which were discovered near Manipal in Udupi district.[28] Two species of algae, Cosmarium bourrellyi and Cosmarium desikacharyi were discovered in a paddy field in Belgaum.[29] Other new species of flora discovered in Karnataka include Isoetes udupiensis[28] (a flowering plant) and Pisolithus indicus (a fungus).[30]
Some of the new species of fauna discovered include two species of ants, Categories All articles with dead external links Articles with dead external links from October 2010 Tourism in Karnataka National parks in Karnataka Fauna of Karnataka Wildlife by region State of Karnataka Overviews Architecture Cinema Climate Cuisine Demography Economy Education Folk Arts Geography History Media People Sports Transportation Wildlife History Aihole Alupas Amoghavarsha Badami Banavasi Balligavi Belur Chalukya dynasty Chitradurga Nayaka Chitradurga Nayakas Deva Raya II Halebidu Halmidi Hampi Hoysala Empire Kadamba Dynasty Kalyani Chalukyas Keladi Nayaka Kittur Chennamma Kingdom of Mysore Pattadakal Pulakesi II Rashtrakuta Dynasty Sringeri Srirangapatna Tipu Sultan Unification of Karnataka Vijayanagara empire Vijayanagara Vishnuvardhana Veera Ballala II Western Ganga Dynasty Geography Cities and towns Districts Rivers Taluks Villages Bayaluseeme Malenadu Karavali Western Ghats Culture Bharatanatya Bhuta Kola Bidriware Channapatna toys Chitrakala Parishat Gaarudi Gombe Ilkal saree Kamsale Kannada Karnatik music Kasuti Khedda Mysore Dasara Togalu Gombeyaata Udupi cuisine Veeragase Yakshagana Mysore musicians Literature Kannada Milestones Epics Medieval Rashtrakuta Western Ganga Western Chalukya Hoysala Vijayanagara Vachana Haridasa Mysore Play Modern Kannada Sahitya Parishat Kannada Sahitya Sammelana Karnataka People and Society Karnataka ethnic groups List of people from Karnataka Tourism Beaches Dams Forts National Parks Hindu Temples Jain Temples Waterfalls Awards Karnataka Ratna Pampa Award Nrupatunga Award Basava Puraskara Rajyotsava Prashasti Jakanachari Award Varnashilpi Venkatappa Award Floral resources of Karnataka: A geographic perspective. Natural history of southern Karnataka: Ornithological perspective. External links ^ a b Statistics related to forests in Karnataka is provided by "Statistics". Online Webpage of the Forest Department. Government of Karnataka. Retrieved 2007-05-06. ^ ^ "THE NILGIRI BIOSPHERE RESERVE". R.J. Ranjit Daniels - MS Swaminathan Research Foundation. ^ Flora and Fauna as state symbols of Karnataka are mentioned by "State Animals, Birds, Trees and Flowers" (PDF). Online webpage of Wildlife Institute of India. Government of India. Archived from the original on 2007-06-15. Retrieved 2007-05-09. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k A Walk on the Wild Side, An Information Guide to National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries of Karnataka, Compiled and Edited by Dr. Nima Manjrekar, Karnataka Forest Department, Wildlife Wing, October 2000 ^ http://www.mysorenature.org/mysorenature/birds-of-mysore-area ^ a b c d e http://www.mysorenature.org/kodagu-coorg-sector/bird-checklist ^ Adichunchanagiri Wildlife Sanctuary ^ http://www.mysorenature.org/mandya-sector/bird-checklist ^ Arabithittu Wildlife Sanctuary ^ http://www.mysorenature.org/hunsur-sector/bird-checklist ^ http://www.mysorenature.org/melkote/melkote-temple-wildlife-sanctuary ^ http://www.mysorenature.org/melkote/bird-checklist ^ a b http://www.mysorenature.org/mandya-sector/ranganathittu-bird-sanctuary ^ A brief overview of Mandagadde bird sanctuary is provided by Pramod Mellegatti. "Will floods prevent seasonal migration of 'alien' birds?". Online Edition of the Hindu dated 2001-08-21. 2001, The Hindu. Retrieved 2007-05-08. ^ http://www.mysorenature.org/mandya-sector/kokkare-bellur ^ http://www.mysorenature.org/mandya-sector/kokkare-bellur/environ ^ A description of Kokkare Bellur has been provided by Sharath S. Srivatsa (2006-02-15). "Lending a helping hand". Online Edition of the Hindu dated 2006-02-15 (Chennai, India: 2006, The Hindu). Retrieved 2007-05-08. ^ a b c d e f g A report on the environment of Karnataka and action plan thereof is discussed by Madhav Gadgil and others. "Karnataka State of Environment Report and Action Plan, Biodiversity Sector" (PDF). ENVIS Technical Report 16. Environmental Information System, Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore. Retrieved 2007-05-08. ^ a b Poaching of a tiger in Nagarhole National Park is mentioned by "Tigers falling victim to `poor' anti-poaching drive". Online edition of The Hindu, dated 2006-04-03 (Chennai, India: 2006, The Hindu). 2006-04-03. Retrieved 2007-05-08. ^ a b A brief description of mining at ^ Destruction caused by elephants in ^ Electrocution of an elephant in ^ Air pollution in Bangalore discolouring plants in mentioned by Roja Kandath (2001-02-14). "Pollution is robbing blooms of their colour". Online edition of ^ Relocation of villagers from Kudremukh National Park has been mentioned by K. Ullas Karanth, Niren Jain and N. Samba Kumar. "Tiger Habitat Consolidation in Kudremukh" (PDF). A Final Report to 21st Century Tiger from the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS). ^ Using satellites for detecting forest fires in Karnataka is mentioned by "Eye-in-the-sky tech to combat forest fires". Online Edition of the Deccan Herald, dated 2005-04-09. 2005, The Printers (Mysore) Private Ltd. Retrieved 2007-05-08. ^ a b c Some conservation methods being used in Karnataka to protect flora and fauna are mentioned by Shekar Dattatri. "Tigers in India A chance for survival". Online Webpage of Wildlife First. Wildlife First. Retrieved 2007-05-08. ^ a b Discovery of Isoetes udupiensis has been mentioned by "New plant species found". Online Edition of the Hindu, dated 2005-05-11 (Chennai, India: 2005, The Hindu). 2005-05-11. Retrieved 2007-05-06. ^ Discovery of new algae species is mentioned by U D Bongale. "New taxa of Cosmarium Corda (Desmidiaceae) from Karnataka State, India". Online webpage of springerlink.com. Springer. Retrieved 2007-05-06. ^ K. NATARAJAN, G. SENTHILARASU, V. KUMARESAN, TAIANA RIVIERE. "Diversity in ectomycorrhizal fungi of a dipterocarp forest in Western Ghats" (PDF). CURRENT SCIENCE, VOL. 88, NO. 12, 25 JUNE 2005. Current Science Online. Retrieved 2007-05-07. ^ Discovery of a new species of ant in the IISc campus, Bangalore is discussed by THRESIAMMA VARGHESE. (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) from India, with notes on its nesting behaviour Catalog of Fishes"Dilobocondyla"A new species of the ant genus (PDF). Oriental Insects, Vol. 40: 23-32, 2006. Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore. Retrieved 2007-05-07. ^ Discovery of a new species of ant in ^ Raviprasad Kamila (2007-02-20). "Two new species of frogs found". Online Edition of the Hindu, dated 2007-02-20 (Chennai, India: 2007, The Hindu). Retrieved 2007-05-06. ^ Discovery of Nyctibatrachus petraeus has been detailed by INDRANEIL DAS AND KRUSHNAMEGH KUNTE. "New Species of Nyctibatrachus (Anura: Ranidae) from Castle Rock, Karnataka State, Southwest India" (PDF). Journal of Herpetology, Vol. 39, No. 3, pp. 465–470, 2005 (2005 Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles). Retrieved 2007-05-07. ^ Discovery of Batasio sharavatiensis has been mentioned by Anuradha Bhatt and K.C. Jayaram. "A new species of the genus BATASIO BLYTH (Siluriformes: Bagridae) from Sharavathi river, Uttara Kannada, Karnataka" (PDF). February 2004, Zoos' Print journal 19(2): 1339-1342 (Zoos' Print Journal). Archived from the original on 2009-10-26. Retrieved 2007-05-07. ^ Details regarding new fishes of genus Schistura found in Sharavathi river is provided by Sreekantha, K.V.Gururaja, K.Remadevi, T.J.Indra, T.V. Ramachandra. Mcclelland (Cypriniformes: Balitoridae) from Western Ghats, India"Schistura"Two new fish species of the genus (PDF). Zoos' Print Journal 21 (4): 2211-2216 (April 2006) (Zoo Outreach Organisation). Retrieved 2007-05-07. ^ Details regarding Puntius coorgensis is provided by Jayaram (1982). "Catalog of Fishes". Pisces Reference. Fishbase. Retrieved 2007-05-07. ^ Discovery of a whitefly in areca plantations is discussed by B. VASANTHARAJ DAVID AND M. MANJUNATHA. "A new species of Aleurocanthus Quaintance & Baker (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) from Areca catechu in India, with comments on the status of Aleurodes nubilans Buckton" (PDF). Zootaxa 173: 1-4 (2003). 2003, Magnolia Press. Retrieved 2007-05-07. ^ Discovery of a caecilian has been discussed by GOPALAKRISHNA BHATTA & R. SRINIVASA. "A new species of Gegeneophis Peters (Amphibia: Gymnophiona: Caeciliidae) from the surroundings of Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnataka, India" (PDF). Zootaxa 644: 1–8 (2004). 2004, Magnolia Press. Retrieved 2007-05-07. ^ Discovery of new species of earthworms is mentioned by Julka et al. "New species of earthworms found in Western Ghats of Karnataka" (PDF). 2004, Magnolia Press. Retrieved 2007-05-07. Footnotes
Endangered species of fauna found in Karnataka include the Bengal tiger, Indian Elephant, Lion-tailed Macaque, Olive Ridley turtle and dhole, the Indian wild dog. Many endangered species of amphibians are found here including frogs, Indirana brachytarsus, Microhyla sholigari, Minervarya sahyadris, Nyctibatrachus aliciae, Nyctibatrachus hussaini, Nyctibatrachus sanctipalustris, Philautus charius, Philautus wynaadensis, Ramanella mormorata and Rhacophorus lateralis and a toad, Bufo beddomii. Other endangered species of fauna include Hipposideros hypophyllus (the Kolar leaf-nosed bat) and Pseudomulleria dalyi (a mollusc).
Some of the endangered species of flora include evergreen trees like Cynometra bourdillonii, Cynometra travancorica, Hopea glabra, Hopea parviflora, Hopea ponga, Hopea racophloea, Hopea wightiana, Shorea roxburghii and Tarenna agumbensis and flowering plants like Glochidion pauciflorum, Glochidion tomentosum, Ixora lawsoni and Syzygium stocksii. Other endangered trees found in Karnataka include Isonandra stocksii, Kingiodendron pinnatum, Maesa velutina, Myristica magnifica, Rapanea striata and Xylosma latifolium.
Karnataka is the home of few critically endangered species of flora that include evergreen trees like Dipterocarpus bourdilloni, Hopea erosa and Hopea jacobi, Croton lawianus (a small tree) and Pinnatella limbata (a type of moss). Some of the critically endangered species of fauna found in Karnataka include Gyps indicus (the Indian vulture) and two species of frogs, Indirana gundia (found only in Gundia range, Sakleshpur) and Micrixalus kottigeharensis (found only near Kottigehara, Chikkamagaluru district).
[40].earthworms reservoir has revealed eleven new species of Linganamakki Explorations in the soil around the [39].Gegeneophis madhavai, caecilian and a [38]Aleurocanthus arecae and [21]Distinctaleyrodes setosus, whiteflies river. Some other species of fauna discovered in Karnataka include two species of Kaveri in the Bhagamandala has been discovered near [37]
Kannada language, Tamil Nadu, Bangalore, Goa, Andhra Pradesh
Karnataka, Maharashtra, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Coimbatore
Udupi, Karnataka, Baindur, India, Chikkamagaluru district
Karnataka, India, Mysore District, Hassan district, Mandya
Karnataka, Geography of Karnataka, Carnatic music, Architecture of Karnataka, Cinema of Karnataka
Karnataka, Lingayatism, History, Hinduism, Geography of Karnataka