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

More Desktop Wallpapers:

Mar 24, 2025African elephants in Namibia
The lungs of Earth
On the open ocean road
Oct 31, 2024Happy Diwali!
Sep 30, 2023Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Aug 13, 2024Telašćica Nature Park, Dugi Otok, Croatia
A fox in the dunes
Dare to delve into this dense swamp
Piecing together a better tomorrow
The victory of good over evil
Where is this ethereal mountain?
Aug 20, 2025The citadel in Bonifacio, Southern Corsica, France
Jan 16, 2024Lake Louise, Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada
Oct 9, 2024Aspens near Marble, Colorado, USA
Oct 24, 2025Night view of the RMS Queen Mary, Long Beach, California, United States
Little Island, Big Sea
When only a hug will do
Sep 18, 2024Gujō Hachiman Castle, Gifu Prefecture, Japan
Jun 3, 2025World Bicycle Day
Nov 23, 2025Fibonacci Day
An island made from a vow
Oct 27, 2024Polar Bear Week
Oct 1, 2024Yosemite National Park, California, USA
Rising with the sun
A day for giving
Underwater underground
Celebrating Guru Nanak Gurpurab
Say hello to these halophytes!
May 10, 2024Misool, Raja Ampat Islands, Indonesia
Aug 5, 2025Tide pools in La Jolla, California, United States