In a landmark ruling, Delhi court convicted a person for illegal export of Shahtoosh shawls made from the hair of the Tibetan Antelope in violation of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
- It was a joint operation by CBI, Wildlife Crime Control Bureau, Customs and Wildlife Institute of India.
About Shahtoosh Wool
- Shahtoosh is the under fleece and can only be obtained by killing the Tibetan antelope or chiru.
- Almost all shahtoosh is spun and woven illegally in Jammu & Kashmir.
- Colour: Ranging from shades of brown, beige and grey, depends on the gender and body area of the chiru.
- Legal Ban: The Shahtoosh shawl trade has also been banned globally since 1975 under CITES, to which India is a signatory.
About Chiru
- Scientific name: Pantholops hodgsonii.
- Habitat: Average annual temperature is below freezing like Tibetan plateau and in the Xinjiang and Qinghai provinces of western China.
- The population of chiru in India are migratory.
- There have been many attempts to breed the chiru with no success.
- Conservation status:
- WPA, 1972: Schedule I and IV.
- CITES: Appendix I.
- IUCN Red List: Near Threatened.
- Threat: Illegal poaching, loss of habitat, harsh natural environment they live in.
Various initiatives to curb illegal animal trade
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