I came across this thread while looking for links to African Blackwood. I'll give a different perspective on it. I am a conservationist and wildlife consultant (ecologist) with a strong interest and belief in the sustainable use of indigenous products. Since African wildlife achieved a market value in South Africa the benefits to conservation have been enormous, with many people converting previously badly run stock farms into game farms. Many species such as the white rhino have been saved from extinction and the range of species such as lion, elephant and many others have increased to areas that they haven't been for 100 years.

I hav always had an interest in wood and have a passion for trees, so about 18 months ago I started a small company specialising in African hardwoods (www.redivorytrading.co.za - under construction). My goal is to see these hardwoods be appreciated for their true value and replanted, cultivated and carefully harvested to the benefit of current and future generations. The bottom line is - if you use it wisely it stays. If the local African communities see no commercial value in these species and are not taught to manage them properly, they will end up using them for firewood anyway.