UPSC Prelims 2016 Question:

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 rainforest areas of South India.
   
   

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Explanation:

• Red Sanders (Pterocarpus santalinus) is a flora-species that is endemic to a distinct tract of forests in Eastern Ghats region of Andhra Pradesh. So, statement 1 is correct.
  
  
• It is found in the dry deciduous forests (not in the tropical rainforest) of the central Deccan Plateau. Red Sanders usually grows in rocky, degraded lands with Red Soil. So, statement 2 is not correct.
  
  
• Red Sanders is known for their rich therapeutic properties. That’s why they are high in demand across Asia, particularly in China and Japan. They are used in cosmetics and medicinal products as well as for making furniture and musical instruments.
  
  
• Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) launched ‘Operation Rakth Chandan’ to keep close surveillance on the suspect export consignment of the red sanders.
  
  

Therefore, option (1) is the correct answer.

Subject: Environment | Biodiversity and Conservation