Red Sanders: Uses, Threats, IUCN Conservation Status & More

Red Sanders is scientifically named Pterocarpus santalinus, and it is a very rare species of tree found in the southern parts of India, specifically in Andhra Pradesh. It is celebrated for its rich, red wood that is highly prized within and outside the country due to its unique features and applications. Understanding the importance of Red Sanders entails an exploration of its uses, conservation status, threats, and government efforts towards its protection as an endangered species.

This topic falls under the Environment and Ecology section of the UPSC syllabus for General Studies Paper III. It is related to biodiversity, conservation, ecological balance, and the illegal trade of endangered species. Thus, it is a relevant topic for both prelims and mains exams.

What is Red Sanders?

Red Sanders is a hardwood tree species native to a narrow area in the Eastern Ghats of southern India. It is distinguished by its rich red color wood, slow growth, and high density. The wood is highly prized for its distinctive coloring, durability, and the ability to yield a high polish. Red Sanders has been used for centuries in traditional medicine, decorative arts, musical instruments, and furniture making, making it an important economic resource.

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Uses of Red Sanders

Red Sanders has numerous applications that contribute to its high demand:

• Traditional Medicine: It has been used traditionally in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine for its supposed medicinal properties, such as treating various ailments like diarrhea, skin diseases, and wounds.
• Cosmetics and Dye: The red pigment extracted from the wood is used in the cosmetics industry and as a natural dye in textiles and coloring agents for food and beverages.
• Woodcraft and Musical Instruments: Red Sanders is valued for making musical instruments, especially in Japan where it is used in making parts of the shamisen and koto. Because of its vibrant color, it also finds use in high-quality furniture, carvings, and ornamental objects.
• Religious Artefacts: The wood is often used to make temple doors, sacred objects, and idols, especially in India, due to its association with auspiciousness and sacredness.

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Threats to Red Sanders

The survival of Red Sanders is under considerable threat due to several factors:

• Illegal Logging and Smuggling: The high market value of Red Sanders has led to extensive illegal logging and smuggling operations. Organized crime syndicates often exploit local communities for illegal harvesting.
• Habitat Loss: Deforestation and land conversion for agriculture and urban development have led to significant habitat loss, further threatening the small native populations of Red Sanders.
• Forest Fires: Natural and man-made forest fires pose a significant risk, as they can destroy vast tracts of forest, including the Red Sanders trees.
• Climate Change: Changes in weather patterns and prolonged droughts can adversely affect the growth and regeneration of Red Sanders populations.

Conservation Status of Red Sanders

Red Sanders is listed as an endangered species on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List due to its decreasing population and restricted geographical distribution. Due to slow growth rates and over-exploitation for illegal trade, the wild population of this tree is drastically reduced. International trade of this species is strictly controlled by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), where it is enlisted in Appendix II, indicating that it is not necessarily threatened with extinction but may become so unless trade is closely controlled.

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Government Initiatives to Curb the Illegal Trade of Red Sanders

The Indian government, in collaboration with the state authorities, has enforced several measures to check the illicit trade and conserve Red Sanders:

• Surveillance and Enforcement: Forest guards have been put on the ground, technological tools such as drones and satellite imagery, and enhanced enforcement agencies to keep vigil and guard forests.
• Regulatory Measures: Implementation of stringent laws and regulations under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and conducting regular raids to apprehend poachers and smugglers.
• Awareness and Community Involvement: Programs aimed at spreading awareness about the importance of Red Sanders and involving local communities in conservation efforts, providing them with alternative livelihoods.
• International Collaboration: Working with international agencies and neighboring countries to prevent the cross-border smuggling of Red Sanders.
• Scientific Research and Reforestation: Scientific research for better growth and conservation methods of Red Sanders and initiation of large-scale reforestation programs to restore the natural habitat.

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Difference Between Red Sanders and Sandalwood

Though Red Sanders and Sandalwood are both extremely prized for their wood, they differ in many aspects. Here is a comparison table of the key differences:

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We hope your doubts regarding the topic have been addressed after going through the above article. Testbook offers good quality preparation material for different competitive examinations. Succeed in your UPSC IAS exam preparations by downloading the Testbook App here!