WildAID are now
in Kashmir to motivate the public to prevent cruelty to animals and
to promote animal welfare and conservation policies that advance the
well being of both animal and people. Small, but effective, seeking
to prevent further destruction of Kashmir's Wildlife and its habitat
and level the playing field by infusing resources and broad-based
support into campaigns to protect wildlife, captive-held animals,
and biodiversity wildlife rescue and rehabilitation.
WildAID Kashmir esro Kashmir Chapter sharing a vision of a world
where wildlife and wild places are truly protected.
SPECIES SPECIFIC CONSERVATION PROG.
CHIRU
An Endangered
Species
The Chiru or
Tibetan Antelope is an endangered species. The total number of
Chiru worldwide is estimated to be around 60-75,000.The Chiru is
an endangered animal found in natural habitat of Tibet - with
populations ranging into Ladakh of Jammu and Kashmir India. This
Antelope is known for the fine hair of its underbelly and chest,
which is woven into the softest of woolen shawls. The wool is
known as Shahtoosh or King of Wools and is one-fifth the
thickness of human hair. The wool is so fine that a full-sized
shawl can pass through a ring worn on ones finger. The warmth,
softness and luxurious feel of Shahtoosh, has made Shahtoosh
shawls a worldwide fashion must-have. This has led to the
decimation of the Chiru in Tibet because several Chiru are
killed to harvest the wool from their underbellies from which
these shawls are woven. In India the Chiru is protected and
trade in Shahtoosh is banned. The Chiru is also protected in
China.
Shahtoosh’ is the name given to wool derived from the chiru. The
fabric woven from this wool carries the same name and is worn by
the fashionable worldwide. Nature has provided it with a
two-layered fur, to give it the warmth that it requires for
survival. The visible coat is the second coat and is coarse. The
short, fine haired under layer hugs the chiru’s skin. Shahtoosh
is derived from the undercoat.
Once we know that shahtoosh is derived from an untamed animal,
which roams wild on the Tibetan plateau desert, it takes little
imagination to realise how this wool is harvested.
Technological societies of the 20th century offer huge
discretionary incomes to growing numbers. With the growth of
wealth, advanced communication, and travel, little known
products from remote parts gained currency worldwide. The needs
of the wealthy changed to embrace products like shahtoosh shawls
and scarves. As a result, where an estimated 1,000,000 animals
roamed in the Tibetan Plateau in the earlier part of the last
century, current estimates of the chiru population range between
50,000 and 75,000. Chinese government sources state that approx.
20,000 animals are poached annually.
As many as three chirus are gruesomely slaughtered to stitch
together one shahtoosh shawl. Less than 70,000 chirus exist
today and 20,000 of these are butchered every year.
Traditionally, the animal is trapped prior to killing. However,
with today’s increasing demand, contemporary poachers have
devised innovative, cost and time effective ways to kill. At
night, they shine bright lights at whole resting herds. The
innocent animal, baffled by this new experience freezes, and
thereby signs it’s own death warrant. The poachers let loose
their automatic weapons at these sitting targets.
Since the master weavers are based in Kashmir the wool moves
from Tibet (sometimes via Nepal) to India. The shawl is woven in
Jammu & Kashmir and then smuggled to international markets
across the world and also sold clandestinely in the domestic
market.
The Chiru is protected throughout its range of distribution. In
China it is a Class I Protected species and in India it comes
under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act (1972). However,
till mid 2002, the Jammu and Kashmir wildlife law, which is
different from the law prevailing in the rest of India, placed
this species under Schedule II and exploitation was permitted.
But in September 2002, the Tibetan Antelope was upgraded to
Schedule I of the Jammu and Kashmir Wildlife Protection Act and
hence is now fully protected in this region as well. In Nepal,
the species is placed under Schedule I of Nepal's National Parks
and Wildlife Conservation Act. Apart from the species, the
habitat is also protected in China, India and Nepal by creating
a number of Protected Areas within the range of the chiru.
International trade in shahtoosh is banned due its inclusion in
Appendix I of CITES (the Convention on International Trade in
Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora), to which more than
158 countries are signatories.
The only way to successfully eliminate demand is to create an
environment where people voluntarily say NO to shahtoosh and YES
to the chiru. This can be achieved by making the world aware of
the truth of the matter by eliminating demand ; increasing
awareness about the product among law enforcers, prospective
buyers and the upcoming generation both domestically and
internationally, focusing on how the wool is sourced, that the
source is an endangered species; and harming the animal or
trading in products is illegal in most of the world and to
introduce replacements/alternatives like high grade hand woven
pashmina.
The Tibetan Antelope - Pantholops
hodgsonii - is commonly referred to as the chiru. It lives above
the tree line in Tibet, at an altitude of over 14,000 ft. Its
natural environment is one of harsh bitter winds, minus 40
degrees Fahrenheit in the winter, with occasional snowstorms
even during the short summers.
The Chiru or Tibetan Antelope is a medium sized deer. It has a
dense coat, which protects it during the severe Himalayan
winter. The wool on the back and shoulders is light brown while
the fine wool on the chest and underbelly is cream or white. The
face and legs are dark brown or black. Male Chiru have black
horns, which extend for 50-70 cm. Chiru or Tibetan Antelope live
in small herds of 10-15 individuals led by a large male
antelope. Male Chiru fight for control of the herd and can
seriously hurt each other with their sharp horns.
Snow Leopards, Himalayan Black Bears, Wolves, and poachers prey
upon Chiru. They are therefore quick to flee at the first sign
of danger. Chiru usually feed in the twilight hours of morning
and evening. Chiru have adapted to the harsh Himalayan weather.
They dig shallow troughs in which they rest. This protects them
from the icy wind and the sight of predators. Chiru fed on
grasses and plants found on the Tibetan and Ladakh plateaus.
Background Note on Shahtoosh
Petition
WPSI initially filed a Public
Interest Petition in the Jammu and Kashmir High Court in April 1998.
The petition requested the State Government to ban the manufacture
and sale of shahtoosh shawls, and to abide by national and
international laws. On 1 May 2000, the Jammu and Kashmir High Court
ordered the State Government to “enforce the law against those who
are carrying on business and trade in contravention of Section 43 of
the State Wildlife Act and provisions of CITES.” However, the order
fell short of a complete ban and WPSI appealed the order on 30 May
2003. While the appeal was still in court, the Jammu and Kashmir
Government finally amended its Wildlife (Protection) Act in August
2002 and placed the Tibetan antelope in Schedule I of the Act,
banning any trade in shahtoosh, including the manufacture of shawls.
The Division Bench order of 10 February 2003, which was in responses
to WPSI’s appeal, was particularly regrettable, and WPSI has now
been compelled to approach the Supreme Court of India.
Do you
know ?
As many as 3 chirus are gruesomely slaughtered to stitch together
one shahtoosh shawl. Less than 70,000 chirus exist today and 20,000
of these are butchered every year.
International trade in shahtoosh is banned due its inclusion in
Appendix I of CITES ( the Convention on International Trade in
Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora ), to which more than 158
countries are signatories.
In Kashmir valley approximately 7,600 families are involved in the
Shahtoosh industry
seeking human survival through wildlife protection...
eIEN South Asia
Western Himalaya Kashmir
WildAID KASHMIR
allowing threatened species to recover safe levels in Kashmir
esrokashmir.org
HOME
Welcome at
WAID
eIEN South Asia
Western Himalaya Kashmir
WildAID are now in Kashmir to motivate the public to prevent cruelty to animals and to promote animal welfare and conservation policies that advance the well being of both animal and people. Small, but effective, seeking to prevent further destruction of Kashmir's Wildlife and its habitat and level the playing field by infusing resources and broad-based support into campaigns to protect wildlife, captive-held animals, and biodiversity wildlife rescue and rehabilitation. WildAID Kashmir esro Kashmir Chapter sharing a vision of a world where wildlife and wild places are truly protected.
SPECIES SPECIFIC CONSERVATION PROG.
CHIRU
An Endangered Species
The Chiru or Tibetan Antelope is an endangered species. The total number of Chiru worldwide is estimated to be around 60-75,000.The Chiru is an endangered animal found in natural habitat of Tibet - with populations ranging into Ladakh of Jammu and Kashmir India. This Antelope is known for the fine hair of its underbelly and chest, which is woven into the softest of woolen shawls. The wool is known as Shahtoosh or King of Wools and is one-fifth the thickness of human hair. The wool is so fine that a full-sized shawl can pass through a ring worn on ones finger. The warmth, softness and luxurious feel of Shahtoosh, has made Shahtoosh shawls a worldwide fashion must-have. This has led to the decimation of the Chiru in Tibet because several Chiru are killed to harvest the wool from their underbellies from which these shawls are woven. In India the Chiru is protected and trade in Shahtoosh is banned. The Chiru is also protected in China.
Shahtoosh’ is the name given to wool derived from the chiru. The fabric woven from this wool carries the same name and is worn by the fashionable worldwide. Nature has provided it with a two-layered fur, to give it the warmth that it requires for survival. The visible coat is the second coat and is coarse. The short, fine haired under layer hugs the chiru’s skin. Shahtoosh is derived from the undercoat.
Once we know that shahtoosh is derived from an untamed animal, which roams wild on the Tibetan plateau desert, it takes little imagination to realise how this wool is harvested.
Technological societies of the 20th century offer huge discretionary incomes to growing numbers. With the growth of wealth, advanced communication, and travel, little known products from remote parts gained currency worldwide. The needs of the wealthy changed to embrace products like shahtoosh shawls and scarves. As a result, where an estimated 1,000,000 animals roamed in the Tibetan Plateau in the earlier part of the last century, current estimates of the chiru population range between 50,000 and 75,000. Chinese government sources state that approx. 20,000 animals are poached annually.
As many as three chirus are gruesomely slaughtered to stitch together one shahtoosh shawl. Less than 70,000 chirus exist today and 20,000 of these are butchered every year. Traditionally, the animal is trapped prior to killing. However, with today’s increasing demand, contemporary poachers have devised innovative, cost and time effective ways to kill. At night, they shine bright lights at whole resting herds. The innocent animal, baffled by this new experience freezes, and thereby signs it’s own death warrant. The poachers let loose their automatic weapons at these sitting targets.
Since the master weavers are based in Kashmir the wool moves from Tibet (sometimes via Nepal) to India. The shawl is woven in Jammu & Kashmir and then smuggled to international markets across the world and also sold clandestinely in the domestic market.
The Chiru is protected throughout its range of distribution. In China it is a Class I Protected species and in India it comes under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act (1972). However, till mid 2002, the Jammu and Kashmir wildlife law, which is different from the law prevailing in the rest of India, placed this species under Schedule II and exploitation was permitted. But in September 2002, the Tibetan Antelope was upgraded to Schedule I of the Jammu and Kashmir Wildlife Protection Act and hence is now fully protected in this region as well. In Nepal, the species is placed under Schedule I of Nepal's National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act. Apart from the species, the habitat is also protected in China, India and Nepal by creating a number of Protected Areas within the range of the chiru.
International trade in shahtoosh is banned due its inclusion in Appendix I of CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora), to which more than 158 countries are signatories.
The only way to successfully eliminate demand is to create an environment where people voluntarily say NO to shahtoosh and YES to the chiru. This can be achieved by making the world aware of the truth of the matter by eliminating demand ; increasing awareness about the product among law enforcers, prospective buyers and the upcoming generation both domestically and internationally, focusing on how the wool is sourced, that the source is an endangered species; and harming the animal or trading in products is illegal in most of the world and to introduce replacements/alternatives like high grade hand woven pashmina.
About Chiru
The Tibetan Antelope - Pantholops hodgsonii - is commonly referred to as the chiru. It lives above the tree line in Tibet, at an altitude of over 14,000 ft. Its natural environment is one of harsh bitter winds, minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter, with occasional snowstorms even during the short summers.
The Chiru or Tibetan Antelope is a medium sized deer. It has a dense coat, which protects it during the severe Himalayan winter. The wool on the back and shoulders is light brown while the fine wool on the chest and underbelly is cream or white. The face and legs are dark brown or black. Male Chiru have black horns, which extend for 50-70 cm. Chiru or Tibetan Antelope live in small herds of 10-15 individuals led by a large male antelope. Male Chiru fight for control of the herd and can seriously hurt each other with their sharp horns.
Snow Leopards, Himalayan Black Bears, Wolves, and poachers prey upon Chiru. They are therefore quick to flee at the first sign of danger. Chiru usually feed in the twilight hours of morning and evening. Chiru have adapted to the harsh Himalayan weather. They dig shallow troughs in which they rest. This protects them from the icy wind and the sight of predators. Chiru fed on grasses and plants found on the Tibetan and Ladakh plateaus.
Background Note on Shahtoosh Petition
WPSI initially filed a Public Interest Petition in the Jammu and Kashmir High Court in April 1998. The petition requested the State Government to ban the manufacture and sale of shahtoosh shawls, and to abide by national and international laws. On 1 May 2000, the Jammu and Kashmir High Court ordered the State Government to “enforce the law against those who are carrying on business and trade in contravention of Section 43 of the State Wildlife Act and provisions of CITES.” However, the order fell short of a complete ban and WPSI appealed the order on 30 May 2003. While the appeal was still in court, the Jammu and Kashmir Government finally amended its Wildlife (Protection) Act in August 2002 and placed the Tibetan antelope in Schedule I of the Act, banning any trade in shahtoosh, including the manufacture of shawls. The Division Bench order of 10 February 2003, which was in responses to WPSI’s appeal, was particularly regrettable, and WPSI has now been compelled to approach the Supreme Court of India.
Do you know ?
As many as 3 chirus are gruesomely slaughtered to stitch together one shahtoosh shawl. Less than 70,000 chirus exist today and 20,000 of these are butchered every year.
International trade in shahtoosh is banned due its inclusion in Appendix I of CITES ( the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora ), to which more than 158 countries are signatories.
In Kashmir valley approximately 7,600 families are involved in the Shahtoosh industry
seeking human survival through wildlife protection...