Article:
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has reclassified Red Sanders, also known as Red Sandalwood, as “endangered” on its Red List. This comes after their status was amended from ‘endangered’ to ‘near threatened’ in 2018.
About Red Sanders
Red Sanders, scientifically known as Pterocarpus santalinus, is a tree species native to India. It possesses a limited geographic range in the Eastern Ghats. In fact, this species is specifically endemic to a distinct tract of forests within Andhra Pradesh. These trees typically thrive in rocky, fallow, and degraded lands that are characterized by a hot, dry climate and red soil.
Threats to Red Sanders
The survival of Red Sanders has been seriously compromised by multiple threats. The illicit felling for smuggling purposes, forest fires, cattle grazing, and other anthropogenic threats significantly contribute to their decline. Red Sanders is extremely sought-after across Asia, particularly in China and Japan, due to its rich hue and therapeutic properties. They are widely used in cosmetics, medicinal products, furniture, woodcraft, and in the creation of musical instruments.
Protection Status of Red Sanders
IUCN has classified Red Sanders as ‘endangered’ on its Red List. Furthermore, it’s listed on Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), and placed under Schedule II of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972.
Sandalwood Spike Disease
A significant cause for concern is the Sandalwood Spike Disease, an infectious disease specifically affecting these trees. The disease is caused by phytoplasma, bacterial parasites that infect plant tissues. These parasites are transmitted by insect vectors and are involved in plant-to-plant transmission.
Unfortunately, no cure exists for this infection presently. The only current option to curb the spread of this disease is to cut and remove the infected individual trees.
This disease was first reported in Kodagu, Karnataka, in 1899. Between the years 1903 and 1916, over a million sandalwood trees were removed from the Kodagu and Mysore regions in an attempt to control the disease’s spread.
By highlighting these critical elements about Red Sanders – from their description to the threats they encounter, their protection status and the infectious disease affecting them – we hope to raise awareness and instigate protective measures to conserve this valuable species.
(Source: Down to Earth)