Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has recovered 14.63 MT of Red Sanders worth Rs. 11.70 crore under Operation Rakth Chandan.
About the ‘Red Sanders’ –
- The species, Pterocarpus santalinus, is an Indian endemic tree species, with a restricted geographical range in the Eastern Ghats.
- The species is endemic to a distinct tract of forests in Andhra Pradesh.
- It usually grows in the rocky, degraded and fallow lands with Red Soil and hot and dry climate.
- Threats – Illicit felling for smuggling, forest fires, cattle grazing and other anthropogenic threats. Red Sanders, known for their rich hue and therapeutic properties, are high in demand across Asia, particularly in China and Japan, for use in cosmetics and medicinal products as well as for making furniture, woodcraft and musical instruments.
- The export of Red Sanders from India is prohibited as per the Foreign Trade Policy.
- Protection Status –
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- IUCN Red List: Endangered.
- CITES: Appendix II
- Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972: Schedule II
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