UPSC Prelims 2016 Q53: Environment & Ecology – Biodiversity & Conservation
With reference to 'Red Sanders', sometimes seen in the news, consider the following
statements:
1. It is a tree species found in a part of South India.
2. It is one of the most important trees in the tropical rain forest areas of South India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (a) 1 only
Explanation
Red Sanders (Pterocarpus santalinus)
| Statement | Verdict | Fact |
|---|---|---|
| 1. It is a tree species found in a part of South India | Correct | It is endemic to the southern Eastern Ghats, mainly the Seshachalam hills of Andhra Pradesh |
| 2. It is one of the most important trees in the tropical rain forest areas of South India | Incorrect | It grows in tropical dry deciduous forests, not rain forests |
Key facts:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Wood | Deep red, heavy; used for furniture, musical instruments and dye |
| Demand | High in China and Japan; heavy smuggling |
| IUCN status | Endangered |
| CITES | Appendix II |
| Not the same as | Sandalwood (Santalum album), which is fragrant |
Answer: (a) 1 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. Red Sanders is found only in a part of South India, the Seshachalam hills.
- (b) Incorrect. It is not a tree of the tropical rain forest; it grows in dry forests.
- (c) Incorrect. Statement 2 is false; its habitat is dry deciduous forest.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement 1 is true; the tree species is endemic to southern Andhra Pradesh.
Key point
Red Sanders: endemic to the Seshachalam hills (Andhra Pradesh); tropical dry deciduous forest; Endangered; CITES Appendix II; heavily smuggled.
Remember
Red Sanders = Seshachalam, dry deciduous, endangered.
Common mistakes
- Confusing Red Sanders with fragrant sandalwood of Karnataka.
- Placing it in the Western Ghats rain forests.
- Forgetting that its export is restricted because of smuggling.
Exam tip
Red Sanders = Rayalaseema's dry hills. Rain forest trees are a different group.
Sources
- IUCN Red List — Pterocarpus santalinus
- Andhra Pradesh Forest Department — Red Sanders conservation