Rosewood
Context : Tamil Nadu Not to Extend Rosewood Conservation Act
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The Tamil Nadu government will let the Rosewood Trees (Conservation) Act, 1994, lapse as of February 2025 and not renew it.
Background:
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Enacted in 1995 to protect Dalbergia latifolia (rosewood) from illegal felling and trade.
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Initially valid for 15 years, renewed once in 2010 for another 15 years.
Conservation Concerns:
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Dalbergia latifolia is listed as “vulnerable” on the IUCN Red List and under Appendix II of CITES.
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Rosewood trees take ~30 years to mature; mature trees are vital for genetic diversity and breeding.
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Experts warn against unregulated harvesting and recommend a comprehensive inventory to assess current population.
Natural Habitat & Forest Types:
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Tropical Moist Deciduous Forests
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Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests
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Semi-evergreen Forests (occasionally)
Geographical Distribution in India:
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Western Ghats (Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Goa)
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Eastern Ghats (parts of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu)
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Central India (Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh)
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Parts of Maharashtra and Odisha.
Preferred Conditions:
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Altitude: Up to 1,200 meters above sea level
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Soil: Well-drained loamy or red soils
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Climate: Warm, humid conditions with rainfall between 900–2,000 mm
In Tamil Nadu, Dalbergia latifolia is commonly found in the Western and Eastern Ghats hill forests, particularly in the Nilgiris, Anamalais, and Shevaroy Hills.