Red Sanders, an endangered species found exclusively in the Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh, is a sought-after tree for its distinctive red hue and therapeutic qualities. Its popularity in Asia, particularly China, for use in cosmetics, medicine, and luxury furniture has placed the species under threat from illegal logging and harvesting. According to the Indian Foreign Trade Policy, the export of Red Sanders is strictly prohibited, while its inclusion in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List and Appendix-II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wildlife Fauna and Flora (CITES) highlights the importance of preserving this unique species.

 

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According to a factsheet prepared by TRAFFIC, a global wildlife trade monitoring organization, China remains the largest importer of Red Sanders, followed by Hong Kong and Singapore. The report highlights the need for effective conservation efforts to protect the species and its habitat.

 

The Red Sanders tree has been listed under Schedule IV of the Wildlife Protection Act and is considered endangered by the IUCN Red List. Despite the conservation efforts, including amendments to the Andhra Pradesh Forest Act to provide special status of protection to the species, illegal logging and trafficking remain a major issue.

 

The report calls for increased coordination among enforcement agencies, such as the Forest Departments, Customs, Railways, Police, DRI and Coast Guards, to curb Red Sanders trafficking by sharing information and real-time intelligence. The publication also suggests declaring Red Sanders harboring forests as 'High Conservation Areas' to provide an adequate legal framework for protection. Image: PJeganathan/Commons