Mangrove islands near Kundapura, Karnataka Apr 26, 2024

Mangrove islands near Kundapura, Karnataka

Pictured here are mangroves, resilient shrubs or trees, thriving in the challenging environments of coastal saline or brackish waters. These shrubs, known for their intricate network of stilt roots, play a crucial ecological role. Acting as "green shields," they provide essential protection against coastal erosion and help mitigate the potentially catastrophic effects of natural calamities. Having evolved unique mechanisms to absorb additional oxygen and expel salt, they endure conditions that are fatal to most flora. Their intricate salt filtration and robust roots enable them to withstand saltwater submersion and wave impact, while thriving in the low-oxygen mud of the intertidal zone"s upper regions. Analysis of satellite imagery in 2014 has unveiled this hidden ecological treasure along Karnataka"s coast. Despite mangroves being traditionally associated with India"s east coast, Karnataka boasts a significant expanse of these vibrant saline-water ecosystems.

© Amith Nag Photography/Getty Images

palette

Today in History

Just a couple of know-it-owls
Apr 26, 2025Indian Head Cove, Bruce Peninsula National Park, Canada
Apr 26, 2026Pink apple blossoms, Avila Beach, California, United States

More Desktop Wallpapers:

Aug 19, 2026Whytecliff Park, West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Golden cliffs of deep space
Sep 23, 2024Sea otter in Prince William Sound, Alaska, USA
Jan 18, 2025Dunes at White Sands National Park, New Mexico, United States
A future built on the past
Sep 2, 2024Rhino mother and calf, Kaziranga National Park, Assam
Apr 1, 2026The Great Stupa at Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh
What are these beautiful birds?
May 9, 2024Tulips at Emirgan Park in Istanbul, Türkiye
An anglers paradise
Cascade in the City of Waterfalls
Feb 23, 2025Mount Fuji Day
Jun 10, 2026Hnausapollur crater lake, Fjallabak Nature Reserve, Iceland
Feb 1, 2024Aýna, Albacete, Spain
Sep 13, 2024Point Reyes National Seashore, California, USA
Mar 30, 2025Sydney Harbour, New South Wales, Australia
Nov 2, 2024American bison
Jul 26, 2024Kargil Vijay Diwas
Bungle beehives
A place where Buddha attained enlightenment
Sep 18, 2025Dunquin Pier, County Kerry, Ireland
Nov 19, 2024Tasmans Arch, Tasman National Park, Tasmania, Australia
Go fly a kite!
One rare streak
Apr 8, 2026Seattle, Washington, United States
Aug 22, 2025Rolling hills of the Palouse, Washington, United States
Nov 30, 2025Christmas market in Leipzig, Germany
Oct 3, 2023Whitehaven Beach, Whitsunday Islands, Australia
Oct 10, 2025Fiji Day
Dec 14, 2023Boreal owl