Karnataka boasts a diverse array of ecosystems, including forests, grasslands, marine environments, riverine systems, ponds, brackish waters, and anthropogenic landscapes, which contribute to a rich variety of flora and fauna.
The state encompasses a forest cover of 39,369 Sq. km, representing 20.5% of its total geographical area. These forests are home to 25% of India's elephant population and 15% of its tiger population. Karnataka features five National Parks located at Anshi, Bandipur, Bannerghatta, Kudremukh, and Nagarhole; five Tiger Reserves situated in Bandipur, Bhadra, Nagarhole, Kali, and the Biligirirangana hills; as well as 30 wildlife sanctuaries, 15 Conservation Reserves, and one Community Reserve.
The Western Ghats, recognized as a biodiversity hotspot, encompasses the western part of Karnataka. Beyond the forests, the state's tree cover is estimated at 5,733 Sq. km, which constitutes 3.0% of Karnataka's geographical area and includes plantations of rubber (Hevea brasiliensis), silver oak (Grevillea robusta), dadap (Erythrina indica), mango (Mangifera indica), coconut (Cocos nucifera), cashew (Anacardium occidentale), eucalyptus, casuarina (Casuarina equisetifolia), and various other cash crops. The estimated growing stock of woody biomass across major forest types is approximately 417 million m3, taking into account both the forest inventory and trees located outside forested areas.
The biodiversity of Karnataka is estimated to encompass over 120,000 known species, which include 4,500 flowering plants, over 400 marine/brackish water species and around 290 freshwater fish species, 550+ bird species, 102 amphibians, 160 reptiles, 120 mammals, 319 butterflies and 147 dragonflies and damselflies. Notably, several new species have been identified in Karnataka, in the last decade. Additionally, Hubbardia leptaneuron, a grass species previously found at Jog Falls, has been reported extinct.
Karnataka, particularly its portion of the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot, continues to reveal new species through ongoing surveys by institutions like the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), Botanical Survey of India (BSI), and independent researchers. In the last decade (roughly 2016–2025), the state has ranked consistently high in faunal discoveries, often second only to Kerala, highlighting its rich, yet under-explored ecosystems like forests, rivers, grasslands, and estuaries.
Many recent finds are invertebrates (insects, spiders, odonata), amphibians, fishes, and plants, with some vertebrates like crabs and beetles standing out. Here are some notable examples described or recorded from Karnataka in this period:
Aquatic & Microscopic Life
Climaconeis heteropolaris (2025): A new species of diatom (microscopic algae) discovered at the estuary where the Sita and Swarna rivers meet near Udupi. These are vital for oxygen production.
Kasaragodina shebae (2025): While discovered on the border regions, this new genus of freshwater crab highlights the unique crustacean diversity in the South Karnataka-North Kerala belt.
Flora (Plants)
Strobilanthes sharavathiensis (2025): A new member of the Neelakurinji family (known for mass flowering cycles) discovered in the Sharavathi River basin.
Sonerila bababudangiriensis, S. gigantea, and S. charmadiensis (2025): Three new species of the Sonerila genus discovered in the high-altitude hills of Chikkamagaluru and Kodagu.
Zeuxine seetharamii (2024): A new orchid species discovered within the Kali Tiger Reserve.
Utricularia kumtensis (2024): An insectivorous (bladderwort) plant discovered near Mirjan Fort in Kumta.
Eriocaulon karaavalense (2020): A new pipewort species named after the Karaavali (Coastal) region of Karnataka.
Insects and Arachnids
Spartaeus karigiri (2025): A new jumping spider species from Devarayanadurga (Elephant Hill) in Tumakuru district. This intelligent hunter belongs to the rare Spartaeinae subfamily, marking a first for the genus in India.
Onitis visthara (2024): A dung beetle from Hesaraghatta Grasslands near Bengaluru, emphasizing the need to protect these urban-adjacent ecosystems.
Ligdus garvale (2024): A jumping spider from Garvale village in Kodagu district — only the second record of its genus i)n over a century.
Contarinia icardiflores (2025): A new species of tiny fly (midge) that specifically targets Jasmine (Mallige) buds, discovered as a new agricultural pest in the region.
Cigaritis conjuncta (2024): A butterfly – Conjoined Silverline is discovered in the Kodagu district by TIFT-NCBS scientists and the Indian Foundation for Butterflies.
Odonates (Damselflies and Dragonflies)
Protosticta sooryaprakashi (Kodagu Shadowdamsel, 2025): A shade-loving damselfly with sky-blue markings, found along the Sampaje River in Kodagu and Agumbe forests. Named after a late botanist dedicated to Western Ghats conservation.
Fishes and Crustaceans
Freshwater fish like Labeo uru and Labeo chekida (2025): Described from Western Ghats rivers (including Karnataka portions), resolving a 155-year-old taxonomic puzzle.
New freshwater crab Ghatiana dvivarna (2022): From central Western Ghats in Uttara Kannada, notable for its striking white and red-violet colors.
Amphibians
Amphibian research has been particularly very active, with the state’s checklist growing from 92 species in 2015 to 102 species in 2024.
Sphaerotheca varshaabhu (2024): A new species of burrowing frog discovered in the urban landscape of Rajankunte, Bengaluru.
Sphaerotheca bengaluru (2020): Named after the city to highlight that even urban "Silicon Valley" outskirts harbour unique wildlife.
Nyctibatrachus tunga (2022): A wrinkled frog species discovered in the Tunga River basin.
Microhyla kodial (2018): A narrow-mouthed frog found in an industrial area of Mangaluru. Interestingly, researchers suspect it may have been accidentally introduced via timber from Southeast Asia but it is now a distinct local population.
Microhyla laterite (2016): Discovered in the laterite formations of Manipal. It is a tiny "musical" frog that breeds in the temporary pools formed on rocky plateaus.
These finds underscore Karnataka's role in India's biodiversity — often cryptic, small organisms in streams, grasslands, and forests. Many are endemic and face threats from habitat loss, urbanization, and dams. Conservation efforts in protected areas like tiger reserves and wildlife sanctuaries remain crucial.