The Emerald Crown of Karnataka
An interactive data-driven look into the vital forests of the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a global biodiversity hotspot.
A Staggering Share
~60%
of Karnataka's total forest area is concentrated within the Western Ghats, highlighting its ecological dominance in the state.
The State of the Forest: A Snapshot
Based on the India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2019, Karnataka's forests are classified by canopy density. This chart reveals the composition of the state's 38,575 sq km of forest cover.
A Shifting Landscape
Forest cover is not static. The region has faced significant historical losses, and recent trends show a complex picture of both regeneration and decline.
Historical Loss (1920-2013)
33,579 sq km
An area representing over 35% of the Western Ghats' forest was lost over nine decades, a stark reminder of long-term environmental pressures.
Recent Changes by Density (2013-2023)
Key Districts Affected: Tree Cover Loss (2001-2017)
Four districts in Karnataka's Western Ghats have been hotspots for tree cover loss, losing a combined 20,000 hectares since 2001. This chart highlights the loss between 2012 and 2017 alone.
A Mosaic of Ecosystems
The Western Ghats are not a single entity but a rich tapestry of varied forest types, each with a unique ecological role.
Tropical Wet Evergreen
Dense, multi-layered forests in high-rainfall zones, teeming with life.
Semi-Evergreen
Transitional forests blending evergreen and deciduous characteristics.
Moist Deciduous
Seasonal leaf-shedding forests, typically on the eastern slopes.
Dry Deciduous
Adapted to drier, rain-shadow regions with lower tree density.
Sholas
Unique montane evergreen forests found in high-altitude valleys.
Myristica Swamps
Rare and ancient freshwater swamp ecosystems with primitive flora.
A Cradle of Life: Global Biodiversity Hotspot
The region is one of the world's 8 "hottest hotspots" for biodiversity. Endemism—species found nowhere else on Earth—is exceptionally high.
🌳
54%
Endemic Trees
🐸
65%
Endemic Amphibians
🐍
62%
Endemic Reptiles
🐠
53%
Endemic Fishes
Home to at least 325 globally threatened species, this incredible biodiversity underscores the critical need for conservation.
