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Source: The post is based on the article “CITES database reveals red sanders smuggling” published in The Hindu on 3rd February 2023
What is the News?
The CITES trade database has recorded 28 incidents of red sanders confiscation, seizure and specimens from the wild being exported from India.
What is Red Sanders?
Red Sanders(Pterocarpus santalinus) is an Indian endemic tree species with a restricted geographical range in the Eastern Ghats.
| Read more: Red Sanders |
Threats: Red sanders is under severe pressure from illegal logging and harvesting. Its heartwood is in demand in both domestic and international markets and is used to make furniture and handicrafts, while the red dye obtained from the wood is used as a colouring agent in textiles and medicines.
What are the steps taken to tackle Red Sanders smuggling?
Enforcement agencies such as the Forest Department, Customs, Railways, Police, DRI (Directorate of Revenue Intelligence) and Coast Guard must coordinate efforts to curb Red Sanders trafficking by sharing information on hotspots and transit routes and real-time intelligence.
| Read more: DRI seizes Red Sanders worth Rs. 11.70 crore under “Operation Rakth Chandan” |
