Question 20 from UPSC CSE 2016 - Environment

Question

With reference to âRed Sandersâ, 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?

IASCODEX · Accepted Answer

Correct Option: A. 1 only

Strategy: Evaluate each statement based on factual knowledge about 'Red Sanders'. Statement 1 states it is found in a 'part of South India,' which is a generally true and broad description given its endemic nature to the Eastern Ghats, primarily Andhra Pradesh. For Statement 2, critically examine the habitat described: 'tropical rain forest areas.' Recall that Red Sanders typically grows in dry deciduous or thorny scrub forests, which are ecologically distinct from tropical rainforests. This crucial difference makes Statement 2 incorrect, leading to the selection of Statement 1 as the only correct option.

Key Info: ## Red Sanders (Pterocarpus santalinus)

**Description:** Red Sanders is a non-fragrant variety of sandalwood. It is a slow-growing tree, known for its deep red wood, which takes at least 20-25 years to mature for use.

**Habitat:** It is endemic to a specific geographical region in the Eastern Ghats of South India. It primarily grows in rocky, hilly regions within **thorny scrub/dry deciduous forests**, typically between 500 ft and 3000 ft altitude. This directly contrasts with 'tropical rainforest areas', which are characterized by high rainfall and humidity and a different biodiversity.

**Geographical Distribution:** Its natural habitat is a small pocket roughly 5,200 sq km, predominantly in the Palakonda and Seshachalam hills in the districts of Kadapa and Chittoor, and some contiguous areas of Anantapur, Kurnool, Prakasam, and Nellore districts in Andhra Pradesh. Some wild growth is also observed in contiguous patches in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

**Importance & Uses:** The timber is highly valued for its rich red color, durability, and acoustic properties. It is used in traditional medicines (Ayurveda), cosmetics, musical instruments (especially in East Asia), and for ornamental carvings.

**Conservation Status:** Red Sanders is listed as an 'Endangered' species by the IUCN. It is also a protected species under Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) of Wild Fauna and Flora, signifying that trade is allowed under strict regulation to prevent overexploitation. Illegal logging and smuggling pose significant threats to its population.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option B: 2 only

IASCODEX · Answer

Option C: Both 1 and 2

IASCODEX · Answer

Option D: Neither 1 nor 2

With reference to âRed Sandersâ, sometimes seen in the news, consider the following statements: It is a tree species found in a part of South India. 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?

With reference to âRed Sandersâ, sometimes seen in the news, consider the following statements:

It is a tree species found in a part of South India.

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?