Biodiversity of Karnataka

The Karnataka Forest Department in collaboration with the Youth Photographic Society, is thrilled to extend a warm invitation to you. Join us for an exhilarating opportunity to participate in the National level photography contest themed- ‘Biodiversity of Karnataka’. This exciting event is a part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations of Project Tiger in the country and 69th Wildlife Week - 2023.

Forests are among our most important natural resources and are core to critical ecological systems. Karnataka’s dense forests are nestled within the majestic Western Ghats region. About 60% of this incredible mountain range is located in our state. However, in recent years the Western Ghats, known as one of the world's biodiversity hotspots, has faced severe threats due to various factors. Though efforts have been made to curb the depletion of forest cover and increase it quantitatively, the qualitative state of our natural forest stock still remains a concern. Rampant deforestation and degradation of our precious environmental resources pose grave implications for the resilience and productivity of our ecosystems. The loss of forest cover not only endangers our environment but also threatens sustainable development and the livelihoods of countless individuals. Forest resources play a significant role in Karnataka's gross domestic product (GDP) by providing timber, medicinal plants, minor forest products, grazing lands, recreational activities, carbon sequestration, watershed provisions and more. The main culprits behind the depletion of our forest resource base include diversion of forest areas for development, encroachment, habitat destruction, mining, wildlife poaching, timber smuggling, erosion of common resources, excessive fuelwood collection, and livestock grazing. Despite the challenges, the Karnataka Forest Dept. has managed to halt the quantitative depletion of forest cover through effective afforestation initiatives and  conservation programs. Nevertheless, the ever-present anthropogenic pressures threaten the sustainability of our natural resources and well-being of humans and animals.

With a total geographical area of 191,791 sq. km, Karnataka is blessed with an extensive forest cover. As identified by the reconstituted Expert Committee-1 formed by the Govt. of Karnataka, approximately 40,649.30 sq. km is designated as forest area. In addition, Karnataka boasts a network of protected areas comprising 5 National Parks, 36 Wildlife Sanctuaries (including 5 tiger reserves), 17 Conservation Reserves, and 1 Community Reserve.

Project Tiger, an initiative launched by the Govt. of India in 1973, aims to safeguard the endangered tiger population and their natural habitats. Karnataka has played a pivotal role in the success of Project Tiger over the past 5 decades. Our state is home to 5 tiger reserves - Bandipur, Nagarhole, Bhadra, Kali, and BRT- among the country's most significant tiger habitats. As Project Tiger completes its 50-year milestone, we acknowledge and honour the unwavering dedication of our ground staff across all tiger reserves and habitats throughout the nation.

With Karnataka being one of the largest tiger habitat states, we have witnessed a gradual increase in the tiger population. This achievement is a direct result of stringent protection measures and the growth in prey population. The wildlife wing of the Forest Dept. has implemented a scientific approach to monitoring the tiger population through robust survey designs, qualitative data collection, effective data management, and statistical analysis. The database established by the State Forest Dept. plays a crucial role in the day-to-day monitoring of tiger population and managing human-tiger conflicts.

As per 2022 All India Tiger Estimation Report, Karnataka is the 2nd biggest home to Tigers in the country with 563 Tigers, contributing nearly 20% to the National Tiger Population. We celebrate these efforts and initiatives taken to foster a healthy ecosystem for our magnificent big cats and other wildlife. The Karnataka Forest Dept. remains steadfast in its commitment to conserving and promoting ecological balance, ensuring a conducive habitat for our diverse flora and fauna to thrive.

Mr. M N Jayakumar, Retd Addl PCCF, is organizing a one-of-a-kind Wildlife Photo Exhibition at Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath from Sept 28th to Oct 8th, 2023 in collaboration with the Karnataka Forest Dept. This exhibition celebrates 50 years of Project Tiger, and Global Biodiversity, and coincides with the Wildlife Week festivities. This is your chance to have your work showcased in a premiere event. The 40 best entries from this contest will be exhibited in the esteemed D Devaraj Urs Gallery during the exhibition, and winners will be honoured during the Wildlife Week Valedictory Day function.

The Karnataka Forest Department is happy to announce, on the occasion of Wildlife Week and celebrating 50 Years of Project Tiger, the contest "Biodiversity of Karnataka" for photographers from all over India. The intention of the contest is to bring to light the Bio-Diversity of Karnataka. Here are some key points to note:

• The contest is open to photo enthusiasts from all over India.
• All Pictures must be submitted on-line through this website. Submission of pictures through emails and in print form will not be accepted.
• The picture should have been shot in Karnataka only. At the time of submission of the picture, the photographer would be required to declare the location and confirm the correctness of the location. The prize will be withdrawn and the Photographer will not be allowed to participate in future contests if it is established that the picture was not taken in Karnataka.
• There will be 2 sections for submission
  
  • Biodiversity of Karnataka- Public
  • Biodiversity of Karnataka- Karnataka Forest Department Employees
• On 'Register' page, Departmental staff should choose 'Karnataka Forest Department Employees' button and enter their KGID number in the Registration form and submit pictures only in the relevant section
• Pictures with the name of the photographer in the Title or File Name on the face of the picture will be rejected.
• If the picture submitted has recognizable isolated faces in prominence, the photographer submitting the picture should have the concurrence of the person(s) in the photograph for use in promotional material.
• Karnataka Forest Department & Youth Photographic Society will have the right to use the award-winning pictures in hoardings, publications, and brochures of the department/Society and other promotional materials created with due credit to the Author in all such publications. Hence the photographer must be in a position to provide a full-resolution picture in TIFF or JPEG format with at least 4500 pixels on the long side.

Read all Terms and Conditions before submitting your pictures.

Simple Steps to Participate

Step 1 - Register your details if you are participating in the contest for the first time. If you are already registered, you can directly go for Upload.

Step 2 - Upload your images. Enter your registered Email and Password, if requested, to login. You can upload one picture at a time. Thumbnails of your uploaded pictures will be shown on the right side. After submitting the maximum allowed number of pictures, you will not be allowed to upload any pictures.

Substituting an Uploaded Picture - If you want to change any picture already submitted, click on the icon below the picture that you want to substitute. This will remove that picture from your list and you will be allowed to upload another picture.