- The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA), under India’s Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) framework, has released ₹55 lakh to 18 farmers cultivating Red Sanders (Pterocarpus santalinus).
- Location: Indian endemic tree species, with a restricted geographical range in the Eastern Ghats region of Andhra Pradesh.
- Geographical Conditions Required: It usually grows in rocky, degraded and fallow lands with Red Soil and a hot and dry climate.
- Threats: Illicit felling for smuggling, forest fires, cattle grazing
- Reasons for Illicit Felling for Smuggling: High in demand across Asia, particularly in China and Japan, for use in cosmetics and medicinal products as well as for making furniture, woodcraft and musical instruments.
- Protection Status:
- IUCN Red List – Endangered
- CITES – Appendix II
- Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972- Schedule IV