Mangrove islands near Kundapura, Karnataka Apr 26, 2024

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:

May 31, 2024Gunnerside, Yorkshire Dales National Park, England
The dawn of a new beginning
Cascade in the City of Waterfalls
Dec 19, 2025Bormio, Lombardy, Italy
What are these predators doing?
Sep 11, 2024Swaminarayan Akshardham, Delhi
Chasing summer in the art world
Come on, guys, this way!
Apr 29, 2025Garden at Château de Villandry, Loire Valley, France
Sep 22, 2024Bada Bagh complex in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
Nov 1, 2025Bison grazingin Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, United States
Pick your paradise
Jun 1, 2024Pride Month
Mar 3, 2026Celebrating Holi
Revered ruins
Apr 8, 2024Burrowing owl chicks
This lake is no mirage
Sep 28, 2023Container ship near a port in Thailand
Jan 29, 2026Milwaukee City Hall, Wisconsin, United States
Apr 16, 2026Skagit Valley Tulip Festival
Nov 11, 2023Chinese fishing nets in Kochi, India
King of the ocean
Feb 4, 2025Golden Bridge, Bà Nà Hills, Da Nang, Vietnam
Jan 11, 2025Heri es-Swani in Meknes, Morocco
The sprout with amazing potential
Dec 17, 2025Eurasian red squirrel in Northumberland, England
Dec 3, 2025Sandhill cranes, Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, New Mexico
Jan 13, 2024Road to Hana, Maui, Hawaii, USA
Feb 20, 2025Red deer, Canada
Let there be lights!