India has received authorization to trade Red Sanders (Red Sandalwood) sourced from plantations. This decision follows the findings from the International Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding, which identified that specific climatic and geological conditions limit the natural distribution of this tree.
The Red Sanders species is primarily found in the Southern Eastern Ghats of India, covering 82% of its wild habitat. Major importing countries include:
This species thrives in shallow brown soil and requires hot, dry climates for optimal growth. While plantations can yield Red Sanders in approximately 30 years, natural populations typically take 70 to 80 years to develop sufficient girth for harvesting.
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) has removed India from its 'Review of Significant Trade' list. This action recognizes India's ongoing efforts since 1976 to regulate trade and conserve naturally occurring Red Sanders, thereby permitting the export of plantation-grown varieties.
Despite existing protections, illegal harvesting remains a significant threat to the species. To combat this, the Indian government has implemented export quotas based on Non-Detrimental Finding (NDF) reports regarding its cultivation practices.
The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) emphasizes that CITES’ decision is expected to enhance farming practices, particularly in states like Gujarat, where successful cultivation of Red Sanders has already been undertaken. India's advancements in Red Sanders conservation, paired with increased trade prospects, demonstrate a commitment to sustainable use and the fortification of regulatory measures to safeguard this precious species.
Q1. What is Red Sanders, and where is it found?
Answer: Red Sanders, or Red Sandalwood, is a tree species endemic to the Southern Eastern Ghats of India, known for its distinctive reddish heartwood and high value in trade.
Q2. How long does it take for Red Sanders to mature in plantations?
Answer: Red Sanders can be harvested from plantations in about 30 years, whereas natural populations typically require 70 to 80 years to reach a significant size for harvesting.
Q3. What has CITES done regarding India's trade in Red Sanders?
Answer: CITES has removed India from its 'Review of Significant Trade' list, allowing the country to export Red Sanders cultivated in plantations while acknowledging its conservation efforts.
Q4. What measures has the Indian government taken to protect Red Sanders?
Answer: The Indian government has established export quotas based on Non-Detrimental Finding (NDF) reports and continues to combat illegal harvesting to protect the species.
Q5. Which countries are the main importers of Red Sanders?
Answer: Key importing countries include Germany, France, the UK, Israel, Saudi Arabia, and China, reflecting global demand for this valuable timber.
Question 1: What is the primary habitat of Red Sanders?
A) Western Himalayas
B) Southern Eastern Ghats
C) Indo-Gangetic Plains
D) Western Ghats
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: How long does it typically take for natural Red Sanders populations to mature?
A) 30 years
B) 50 years
C) 70-80 years
D) 15 years
Correct Answer: C
Question 3: Which organization regulates international trade in Red Sanders?
A) WWF
B) CITES
C) IUCN
D) FAO
Correct Answer: B
Question 4: What percentage of Red Sanders' wild area is found in India?
A) 50%
B) 82%
C) 60%
D) 40%
Correct Answer: B
Question 5: Which Indian ministry oversees the conservation of Red Sanders?
A) Ministry of Agriculture
B) Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change
C) Ministry of Forestry and Wildlife
D) Ministry of Commerce
Correct Answer: B
Kutos : AI Assistant!
