The region's unique geography—characterized by arid landscapes, balancing boulders, and river valleys—hosts specialized ecosystems.
* **Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary:** Located near Hampi, this sanctuary is dedicated to the preservation of the Indian Sloth Bear and also houses leopards, hyenas, and a variety of bird species. * **Tungabhadra Otter Conservation Reserve:** A protected stretch of the Tungabhadra River dedicated to conserving smooth-coated otters, crocodiles, and soft-shell turtles. * **Scrub Jungles:** The Deccan plateau scrub forests surrounding the monuments are excellent for birdwatching, featuring species like the yellow-throated bulbul and painted spurfowl.