The tropical evergreen forests of Karnataka are ecologically sensitive to disturbance. Heavy openings will create large gaps and will soon be invaded by species such as Macranga peltata and Leea sambucina. The forests are situated on steep slopes in a heavy rainfall zone. Therefore, a selecting has been adopted in about 38% of the area. The grasslands on the ridges and slopes of the Western Ghats, and forests on steep inaccessible areas, are put under a Protection Working Circle which covers an area of about 51%. However, in grasslands, afforestation with species such as Acacia auriculiformis. Grevellea robusta, Bambusa vulgaris, and Bixa orellana has been successful. About 2% of the area was tended by way of canopy lifting to induce regeneration of more valuable species, but this is now given up due to the complexity of the forest ecodydytem. The management of the tropoical rainforest requires complete knowldge about the growth of species, their interaction between different species and between soil and plants. The establishment of a Tropical Rainforest Resarch Institute has been suggested.