The Eastern Ghats of India are home to the Red Sanders. They are now endangered and only exist in a small number of locations in Andhra Pradesh. Red soil and rocky fallow lands are ideal for growing red saans. They favour warm, dry climates.

 

The IUCN has categorized Red Sanders as “ENDANGERED”. Export of Red Sanders is restricted in India. The recently released CITES report states that 28 illegal exports of red sanders were reported in India in 2022. The smuggling is common in Kadapa, Chittor, Kurnool, and Nellore districts of AP.

 

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora states that the red sanders or the red sandalwood is illegally exported from AP, India. This red sander growing zone is monitored by the United Nations Environment Programme.

 

The tree is very slow growing. It takes 40 years to attain maturity. The tree has high demand in the international market for its handicraft values. Red sanders is found only in South India and in very few places in Australia. The wood of the tree is highly expensive. 1 kg of Red Sandalwood costs Rs 5000. In 10 years, the tree gives 500 kg of wood!