A New Delhi court convicted an art gallery owner for attempting to illegally export Shahtoosh shawls, which are made from the hair of the endangered Tibetan Antelope. This topic is important for aspirants preparing through IAS coaching in Hyderabad, UPSC online coaching, and other civil services preparation platforms.
About Tibetan Antelope
• Scientific Name: Pantholops hodgsonii.
• Size & Appearance: Medium sized; males larger with horns and black leg stripes; females lack horns.
• Fur: Long guard hair with a fine, silky undercoat.
• Habitat: Open alpine valleys, cold steppe, and montane regions.
• Distribution: Mostly in China (Tibet, Xinjiang, Qinghai); small population in Changthang, Ladakh (India).
• Migration: Travel up to 400 km between summer and winter grounds.
• Diet: Herbivorous – feeds on grasses, herbs, sedges, and shrubs.
Such biodiversity-related topics are frequently covered in UPSC coaching in Hyderabad and Hyderabad IAS coaching institutes.
Conservation Status
• IUCN Red List: Near Threatened.
• CITES: Appendix I (trade banned).
• Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I (highest protection in India).
These conservation frameworks are often analysed in IAS coaching and civils coaching in Hyderabad for GS3 environment preparation.
Shahtoosh Shawls
• Made from the fine undercoat of Tibetan Antelope.
• Known for exceptional softness and warmth.
• Became a luxury commodity, but trade is globally banned since 1975 under CITES.
• Illegal trade remains a major threat to the species.
Such environment and conservation issues are important for aspirants undergoing UPSC online coaching and structured GS answer writing programs.
Conclusion
The Tibetan Antelope is a migratory, high altitude species facing severe pressure from poaching for Shahtoosh shawls. Strict enforcement of wildlife laws and awareness against illegal trade are essential to protect this species and uphold India’s conservation commitments. For aspirants preparing through IAS coaching in Hyderabad, UPSC coaching in Hyderabad, and civils coaching in Hyderabad, this topic holds high relevance for GS3 and environment-related questions.
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