Red Sanders seized in Andhra Pradesh

Red Sanders seized in Andhra Pradesh 

Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – Environment and ecology; Biodiversity; Conservation 

In news: 

• Andhra Pradesh Red Sanders Anti-Smuggling Task Force  seized 1.50 tonnes of red sanders logs in Seshachalam hills, 25 km from Tirupati (Andhra Pradesh) 

Important Value Additions: 

About Red Sanders: 

• Pterocarpus santalinus or Red Sanders is an endemic tree of South India 
• They are found in Tropical Dry Deciduous forest of the Palakonda and Seshachalam hill ranges of Andhra Pradesh and also found in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. 
• Red Sanders usually grow in the rocky, degraded and fallow lands with Red Soil and hot and dry climate. 
• IUCN has put it under the category of endangered species in the Red List due to the dwindling population because of illegal felling and smuggling. 

Do you know? 

• Its export is banned in India in accordance with the CITES and Wildlife Protection Act 1972. 
• It is used for various purposes such as immunity medicine, furniture, radiation absorbent, musical instrument, food dyes and spices, Ayurveda and Siddha medicine, decorative and ornamental purposes etc.