CITES database reveals red sanders smuggling

• The CITES trade database has recorded 28 incidents of Red Sanders confiscation, seizure, and specimen from the wild being exported from India.

Red Sanders

• The species, Pterocarpus santalinus, is an Indian endemic tree species, with a restricted geographical range in the Eastern Ghats.
• It is a very slow-growing tree species that attains maturity in natural forests after 25-40 years.
• It is endemic to a distinct tract of forests in Andhra Pradesh.
• It is mainly found in Chittoor, Kadapa, Nandhyal, Nellore, Prakasam districts of Andhra Pradesh.
• It was classified as ‘near threatened’ in 2018 and has now joined the ‘endangered’ list once again in 2021.
• It is listed under Appendix II of CITES and is banned from international trade.

Legal protection in India

• The Union Environment Ministry had decided to keep Red Sanders (red sandalwood) OUT of the Schedule VI of Wild Life Protection Act, 1972, arguing that this would discourage the cultivation of the rare plant species.
• Schedule VI regulates and restricts the cultivation, possession, and sale of a rare plant species.

Threats to this species

• Red Sanders are known for their rich hue and therapeutic properties, are high in demand across Asia, particularly in China and Japan.
• They are used in cosmetics and medicinal products as well as for making furniture, woodcraft and musical instruments.
• Its popularity can be gauged from the fact that a tonne of Red Sanders costs anything between Rs 50 lakh to Rs 1 crore in the international market.