The population decline of Indian Sandalwood and people’s role in conservation—an analysis

Abstract

Indian Sandalwood (Santalum album L.) is one of the most important trees in Indian forestry. Time immemorial, Sandalwood has been an integral part of the culture and heritage of India. Description of Sandalwood appears in Subhashitas— collections of verses of wise sayings, code of conduct and ethics. The various uses of Sandalwood and oil have been mentioned extensively in the Indian literature and the aroma of wood and oil has been valued by all the major religions of the world. The fragrant heartwood and the essential oil obtained from it is a significant component in most of the auspicious occasion and a vital cog during cremation as the aroma that emanates from the burnt wood is considered to be the carrier of soul to its destination. The wood is used for carving and handicrafts while the oil has extensive uses in pharmaceutical industry and is an essential ingredient in all high valued perfumes world over. The Southern part of Karnataka and Northern part of Tamil Nadu is considered to be the natural distribution area of Sandalwood. Therefore, Karnataka State is also popularly known as Gandhada Nadu (Sandalwood state). For having been ordained with Royal tree status—a tag indicating the exclusive proprietorship of Government, not only hampered the Sandalwood tree cultivation, but also indirectly resulted in over exploitation and subsequently being categorised as vulnerable in IUCN Red List. The average production of Sandalwood in Karnataka between the years 1960–1961 and 1964–1965 was 2287.8 tons which drastically reduced to 366.74 tons by the end of the last five years of the twentieth century (1995–1996 to 1999–2000). The average production further fell to a mere 61.57 tons in the first decade of this century. The situation in Tamil Nadu is also very similar and the natural population has substantially reduced. It has been reported that commercially utilisable Sandalwood trees of girth more than 30 cm to a large extent is absent in its natural area of distribution in both the states. Considering this critical situation, in the early part of this century, the two Governments have relaxed their policies with reference to Sandalwood cultivation. This has encouraged farmers and entrepreneurs to cultivate Sandalwood. We discuss the future of Sandalwood and the role of people participation especially in conservation and utilisation of Indian Sandalwood.