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

More Desktop Wallpapers:

Jul 4, 2024Dam, lake and mountains in Kerala
Oct 3, 2025Glen Brittle, Isle of Skye, Scotland
Sep 23, 2023Autumnal equinox
A painters palette of natures hues
May 9, 2025International Chameleon Day
Apr 21, 2025International Dark Sky Week
Nov 16, 2023World Philosophy Day
Mar 25, 2024Happy Holi!
Secluded sands in Mexico
Jan 19, 2024Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
Little Island, Big Sea
May 26, 2024Methow Valley, North Cascades, Washington, USA
Im ready for my close-up, Mr. DeSquirrel
Bryce Canyon hoodoos in winter
Apr 22, 2024Earth Day
Jul 31, 2024Hoodoos, Sunset Point, Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah, USA
Gateway to Iberia
Winter wonderland for your wallet
Spring is coming
Jul 17, 2024Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Bavaria, Germany
Reflecting on Christmas
Aug 28, 2024Paralympic Games begin in Paris
Jan 14, 2026Fortress of Palamidi, Nafplio, Greece
Feb 4, 2024Devetashka Cave, Devetaki, Bulgaria
Is it green with envy?
Nature at its colorful best
‘The hills have a power to soothe and heal...’
The beauty that lies below
Jan 21, 2026Sand dunes in the Thar Desert, Rajasthan
Feb 2, 2024Alpine Marmot