Indian Rosewood Faces Threat After Expiration of Tamil Nadu Rosewood Conservation Act 2025

The Indian Rosewood faces a heightened threat after the expiration of the Tamil Nadu Rosewood Conservation Act (1995–2025). Learn about its distribution, characteristics, uses, conservation status, and the urgent need for renewed legal protection.

Table of Contents

The Indian Rosewood (Dalbergia latifolia), one of India’s most prized and iconic timber species, faces a new conservation challenge following the expiration of the Tamil Nadu Rosewood Trees (Conservation) Act, 1995 in February 2025. With the lapse of this law, privately owned rosewood trees, especially in Nilgiri tea plantations, are now at risk of large-scale felling, threatening both biodiversity and ecological stability.

Distribution of Indian Rosewood

The Indian Rosewood is native to the Nilgiris, Anamalai, and Parambikulam ranges of Tamil Nadu, and also occurs in parts of Southeast Asia. In India, it has historically been a keystone species in tropical forests, supporting wildlife and providing ecological balance.

Key Characteristics

Growth: A tall deciduous or semi-evergreen tree reaching up to 40 metres.
Climate: Thrives in tropical monsoon zones, drought-hardy.
Wood: Heartwood varies from golden brown to purplish-brown, with darker streaks and a characteristic rose-like scent.
Durability: Fine-grained, resistant to rot and insect damage—earning the name “ivory of the forests.”
Uses: Highly valued in premium furniture, cabinetry, decorative veneers, and musical instruments like guitars and sitars.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List: Classified as Vulnerable since 2018.
CITES Appendix II: International trade requires permits to curb over-exploitation.
Indian Forest Act, 1927: Regulates harvest, transport, and trade.

Tamil Nadu Rosewood Conservation Act (1995–2025)

To address illegal felling, Tamil Nadu enacted the Rosewood Trees (Conservation) Act, 1995, which prohibited cutting of rosewood without government approval. The Act was extended in 2010 but officially expired in February 2025.

Why This Matters:

The lapse means private landowners—especially in Nilgiri tea plantations—may exploit rosewood for commercial gain.
Increased felling could disrupt forest ecosystems, wildlife habitats, and water conservation systems in the Western Ghats.
Loss of legal safeguards may boost timber smuggling and illegal exports.

Ecological and Economic Importance

Biodiversity Role: Rosewood trees provide shade, soil stability, and microhabitats for several species.
Carbon Sequestration: Mature trees store significant amounts of carbon, helping mitigate climate change.
Economic Value: Considered one of the most expensive timbers in the world, with high demand in both domestic and international markets.

Way Forward

To prevent large-scale exploitation of Indian Rosewood, experts recommend:

Re-enacting or extending the Tamil Nadu Rosewood Conservation Act with stricter enforcement.
Community-led monitoring of rosewood-rich regions like the Nilgiris.
Promoting sustainable plantation practices and eco-tourism alternatives for local livelihoods.
Strengthening international cooperation under CITES to curb smuggling.

Conclusion

The expiry of the Tamil Nadu Rosewood Conservation Act (1995–2025) leaves a dangerous legal vacuum for one of India’s most valuable and ecologically significant tree species. Without immediate intervention, the Indian Rosewood could face accelerated decline, putting both biodiversity and India’s natural heritage at risk.