Toy carvers threatened by fading forests

KONDAPALLI, India - Artisan wood carvers who have been making intricate toys for Indian maharajas, ministers and their children for generations are facing ruin as the rare wood their unique products rely on disappears.

The highly treasured, brightly colored Kondapalli toys are under threat from deforestation, and in particular the rampant exploitation of the Tella Poniki tree.

The wooden elephants, soldiers and gods are named after the Andhra Pradesh village of Kondapalli, where artists have lived since the 16th century.