Apis cerana and Malabar toad will be declared as state insects and amphibians

The process is underway to officially declare Apis cerana and Malabar toad as state insect and state amphibian, Forest and Environment Minister Eshwar Khandre said on Friday.

Addressing the International Biodiversity Day 2026, he said many states have their own state birds, animals and trees to highlight the importance of biodiversity conservation.

Sandalwood is the state tree of Karnataka, the state animal is the elephant, the state bird is the Indian Roller, and the state butterfly is the Southern Birdwing.

Nallur Tamarind Grove near Devanahalli, GKVK campus at Hogarekhan in Chikkamagaluru district, Ambaragudda in Sagar taluk and Mamadapur Plant Sanctuary in Vijayapura district have been declared as traditional biodiversity heritage sites.

On the increasing number of cases of man-animal conflict in the state, he said that measures are being taken to restore elephant and tiger corridors to prevent their occurrence.

He said these incidents are increasing due to changes in elephant corridors and tiger movement paths and shrinking forests.

“The government has taken strict measures against forest encroachment and about 12,204 acres of forest land has been cleared in the last three years,” he added.

Published – 22 May 2026 21:09 IST