Karnataka: Flora and Fauna | KPSC KAS Preparation: All subjects - KPSC KAS (Karnataka) PDF Download

Flora in Karnataka

• Karnataka's Rich Biodiversity: Karnataka boasts a diverse range of flora, with approximately 20.19% of its total geographical area covered by forests, totaling 38,720 km². These forests are crucial habitats, supporting 25% of India's elephant population and 10% of its tigers.
• State Symbols: Sandalwood holds significance as the state tree, while the lotus is revered as the state flower.
• National Parks: Karnataka is home to five national parks: Anshi, Bandipur, Bannerghatta, Kudremukh, and Nagerhole, further preserving its rich biodiversity.

Notable Tree Species in Karnataka

• Callophyllum Tomentosa: This tree species is one of the many unique flora found in Karnataka, contributing to the state's rich botanical diversity.
• Callophyllum Wightianum: Another noteworthy tree species within Karnataka, adding to the state's lush greenery.
• Garcinia Cambogia and Morealla: These trees are part of the diverse range of flora, enhancing Karnataka's natural beauty.
• Alstonia Scholaris and Flacourtia Montana: These tree species are vital components of Karnataka's ecosystem, supporting various forms of wildlife.
• Artocarpus Hirsutus and Lacoocha: These trees play a crucial role in maintaining Karnataka's ecological balance.
• Cinnamomum Zeylanicum and Grewia Tilaefolia: Both species contribute to the overall biodiversity of Karnataka, enriching its environmental landscape.
• Santalum Album and Shorea Talura: These tree species are integral to Karnataka's forests, supporting a wide array of flora and fauna.
• Emblica Officinalis, Vitex Altissima, and Wrightia Tinctoria: These trees are essential components of Karnataka's botanical heritage, contributing to the state's ecological richness.

Endangered Species of Karnataka

Karnataka is home to several critically endangered species of flora, particularly evergreen trees like Dipterocarpus bourdilloni, Hopea erosa, Hopea jacobi, Croton lawianus, and Pinnatella limbata.

Other Endangered Flora in Karnataka

• Endangered Evergreen Trees:
  • Cynometra bourdillonii
  • Cynometra travancorica
  • Hopea glabra
  • Hopea parviflora
  • Hopea ponga
  • Hopea racophloea
  • Hopea wightiana
  • Shorea roxburghii
  • Tarenna agumbensis
• Endangered Flowering Plants:
  • Glochidion pauciflorum
  • Glochidion tomentosum
  • Ixora lawsoni
  • Syzygium stocksii
• Other Endangered Trees:
  • Isonandra stocksii
  • Kingiodendron pinnatum
  • Maesa velutina
  • Myristica magnifica
  • Rapanea striata
  • Xylosma latifolium

Fauna in Karnataka

• This diverse range of mammals symbolizes the richness of Karnataka's wildlife. For instance, the Asiatic elephant, Bengal tiger, and Indian leopard are iconic species that find a home in the forests of Karnataka.
• Additionally, Karnataka's forests provide a habitat for approximately 25% of India's elephant population and 10% of the country's tiger population, showcasing the state's significant contribution to the conservation of these majestic creatures.

Wildlife Diversity in Karnataka

• Mammals: Karnataka boasts a rich variety of mammals, including iconic species like sloth bears, Asiatic elephants, Bengal tigers, wild boars, gaurs, black panthers, Asiatic wild dogs, Indian leopards, small Indian civets, and Indian flying foxes.
• Birds: The state is home to a vibrant array of bird species, such as the Malabar parakeet, Grey francolin, Little grebe, Painted stork, Cattle egrets, and Storm petrels.
• Reptiles: Karnataka exhibits a fascinating diversity of reptiles, including various dangerous snakes like the Indian python, King cobra, trinket snake, Indian cobra, common krait, large-eyed bronze back, and common rat snake.

Endangered Fauna of Karnataka

The Karnataka Forest Department has identified 40 animals as endangered species in the state.
Some of the endangered fauna in Karnataka include:

• Lion tailed macau
• Tiger
• Elephants
• Sloth bear
• Black buck
• Indian brown mongoose
• Wild dog
• Kolar-leaf nosed bat
• Travancore flying squirrel
• Spotted eagle
• Olive ridley turtle
• Leatherback turtle