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.

• According to the recently released communiqué titled “RED SANDERS: Factsheet on India’s Red Sanders in illegal wildlife trade”, China remains the largest importer with more than 13,618 tonnes of the products, followed by Hong Kong and Singapore.

• Released by: TRAFFIC, a global wildlife trade monitoring organisation.
• It also highlighted the conservation efforts of the species and pointed out that in 2016 the Andhra Pradesh Forest Act was amended to give the special status of protection to Red Sanders.
• Red Sanders offences were made cognisable and non-bailable, and the punishments related to them were enhanced.

Red sanders and trading in India:

• Red Sanders Pterocarpus santalinus, or red sandalwood, is an endemic tree species with distribution restricted to the Eastern Ghats of India.
• The species found in Andhra Pradesh and growing up to a height of 10 to 15 metres, is reported to be one of India’s most exploited tree species and is under severe pressure from illegal logging and harvesting.
• It is listed under Schedule IV of The Wildlife Protection Act.
• IUCN status: Endangered, Red List

Uses:

• Its heartwood is in demand in both domestic and international markets and is used to make furniture and handicrafts.
• The red dye obtained from the wood is used as a colouring agent in textiles and medicines.

Concerns associated:

• Red Sanders is a very slow-growing tree species that attains maturity in natural forests after 25-40 years.
• Rampant illegal logging has been reported across its range State.

Administering authority:

• Enforcement agencies such as the Forest Departments, Customs, Railways, Police, DRI (Directorate of Revenue Intelligence), and Coast Guards are responsible for curbing the Red Sanders trafficking.