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.
