Karnataka, one of the Southern States of India has 3.83 Million ha of recorded forest area which is around 20 percent of its geographical area. Karnataka is endowed with most magnificent forests in the county ranging from majestic evergreen forests of the Western Ghats to the scrub jungles of the plains. The Western Ghats of Karnataka are one of the 25 global priority hotspots for conservation and one of the two on the Indian subcontinent. Several economically important species such as Sandalwood, Rosewood, Teak, White Cedar grow naturally in these forests. Karnataka forests endowed with rich wildlife, harbors 25 percent of the elephant population of India, 10% of the Tiger population. The sate has 5 National Parks and 21 Sanctuaries comprising about 17.3% of total forest area as protected area for wildlife and biodiversity. The state ranks 4th among all the states and union territories in respect of area under tree cover.