Context:
Archaeological Survey of India has discovered ancient rock art and inscriptions within Sri Lankamalleswara sanctuary.
Sri Lankamalleswara Wildlife Sanctuary:
- Located in Andhra Pradesh.
- Forms the catchment for river Pennar.
- Only home for critically endangered bird Jerdon courser
- Flora – Red sanders and Sandalwood
Red Sanders:
- Endemic to – Tropical dry deciduous forest of Eastern Ghats
- Referred to as ‘the pride of Eastern Ghats’.
- Distribution Areas – Palakonda, Seshachalamhill ranges (Andhra Pradesh), Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
- Conservation Status – IUCN Red List (Endangered), CITES (Appendix II), Wildlife Protection Act (Schedule IV).
- Santalin – A red dye impregnated in plants heartwood
- Threats – Illegal harvesting, smuggling etc.
Source: The New Indian Express
Previous Year 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 rain forest areas of South India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2016 Prelims]
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (a)
Explanation:
It is mostly found in Andhra Pradesh. It is not grown is tropical rain forest. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.