Rosewoods at crossroads: A modern paradigm to secure the survival of the world's most trafficked wild species

Abstract

Biodiversity is facing a global crisis, with as many as one million species considered to be at risk of extinction. The rosewood tree, Dalbergia, is the world's most trafficked wild species, with timber valued at up to $50,000 per cubic meter. Therefore, these plants have become not only a symbol of unsustainable practices in the multibillion-dollar illegal wildlife trade but also a charismatic example of the race to protect wild species through the application of innovative, technology-driven conservation strategies. Despite international regulations such as CITES, Dalbergia continues to be threatened by illegal logging, enforcement gaps, habitat destruction, and climate change, pushing these species toward extinction. Traditional conservation methods such as habitat conservation, legal policies, and community-driven conservation often lack scalability, adaptability, and precision, necessitating the adoption of modern, tech-driven solutions. This assessment aims to explore the transformative potential of innovative strategies integrating artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, genomics, remote sensing, and blockchain technologies to win the race by conserving all species of Dalbergia against all odds by improved protection enforcement, real-time monitoring, and data-driven decision-making. Given the ability of AI-powered strategies to overcome complex challenges, their application will help bridge critical gaps in policy and practice, offering unprecedented precision, scalability, and real-time responsiveness. By aligning these technologies with the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the proposed procedures will create a resilient, data-informed approach to mitigate biodiversity loss and ensure the long-term survival of rosewoods, thus allowing us to win the race.