Wildlife of Karnataka

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Karnataka in South India is home to a rich variety of plants and animals. Its forests cover a large part of the state and support a big share of India’s elephants and tigers.

The Western Ghats, in the state’s western region, are a global hotspot for biodiversity. Two parts of the mountains, Talacauvery and Kudremukh, are on UNESCO’s tentative World Heritage list. Bandipur and Nagarahole National Parks (also known as Rajiv Gandhi National Park) are linked to the Nilgiri biosphere reserve, a UNESCO designation. The Biligiriranga Hills mark where the Eastern and Western Ghats meet.

Karnataka’s state symbols reflect its natural heritage: the state bird is the Indian roller, the state animal is the Indian elephant, the state tree is sandalwood, and the state flower is the lotus. The state is home to about 524 tigers, roughly 12% of the world’s tigers.

The state has many protected areas, including Bandipur and Nagarahole National Parks, and a network of wildlife sanctuaries. There are 19 wildlife sanctuaries in Karnataka. The forests and rivers in the region are important for many species, with some rivers like the Nethravati, Tunga and Bhadra playing key roles in the landscape.

Threats to wildlife include poaching, habitat loss, pollution, and invasive species. Elephants often raid crops, leading to human–wildlife conflict. Poaching has affected elephants, turtles, and tigers, and sandalwood and teakwood are targeted for illegal trade. Pollution from cities and rivers, along with the introduction of non-native species such as the African catfish, damages native wildlife. Weeds like Eupatorium, Lantana and Parthenium spread through forests and farmland, harming many plants and animals. Some diseases, such as Kyasanur forest disease, are linked to habitat changes and weeds.

Conservation efforts are led by the Forest Department and numerous voluntary groups. They work to protect habitats, prevent poaching, relocate villagers from core forest zones, and use new scientific methods to safeguard wildlife. Keeping forest staff motivated and trained, and updating anti-poaching laws, are important parts of these efforts.

Scientists continually find new species in Karnataka, showing that much of the state’s biodiversity is still undiscovered. Examples include new plants like Paracautleya bhatii and Isachne veldkampii, new algae, several frogs, fish and ant species, and even new earthworm species near major reservoirs.

Endangered species found in Karnataka include several trees and flowering plants, as well as animals such as the Bengal tiger, Indian elephant, lion-tailed macaque, olive ridley turtle, and the dhole (Indian wild dog). There are also many endangered amphibians and other creatures, including the Kolar leaf-nosed bat and rare molluscs.

Overall, Karnataka remains a key region for wildlife, with vast forests, important protected areas, and ongoing conservation efforts—even as new species continue to be discovered and threats persist.