Karnataka to name honey bee, Malabar Tree Toad as State symbols

Bengaluru: Karnataka has started the process to declare the Apis cerana honey bee as its State insect and the Malabar Tree Toad as its State amphibian, Forest and Environment Minister Eshwar Khandre said Friday.

He made the announcement at the International Day for Biological Diversity, 2026. “Many States have their own State bird, animal and tree to emphasise biodiversity conservation,” Khandre said. The new designations aim to draw public attention to local species and habitat protection.

Apis cerana, the Indian honey bee, is vital for crop pollination and forest health. The Malabar Tree Toad, found only in the Western Ghats, signals healthy forest ecosystems.