The Hindu : Looking for those Tibetan antelopes

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Mar 07, 2004

Other States

Other States - Jammu & Kashmir

Looking for those Tibetan antelopes

By Luv Puri

JAMMU, MARCH 6. Jammu and Kashmir wants to attract certain guests from Tibet: Tibetan antelopes, commonly known as Chiru. The antelope is endemic to the high plains of the Tibetan plateau. But some people ask: why is the Government so keen to have them around? This question arises because the Government insists that extracting from the antelope the prized silky wool known as Shahtoosh is a legitimate activity, although its extraction and the use of the material is banned globally.

At a recent meeting here, the State Government decided on various measures to attract the antelope. The State Forest Minister, Ghulam Mohi-u-Din Sofi, said: "This year we plan to build pastures for our guests from Tibet. The agro-climatic conditions in Ladakh are conducive to the Tibetan antelope, which is now one of the rarest animal species in the world. We hope to attract a large number of Tibetan antelopes, which in turn will improve tourism prospects in the region.''

The Tibetan antelope is found at a height of 3,700 to 5,000 metres, mainly in the Tibet and Zingjiang autonomous regions and the Qingai province of the People's Republic of China. From late May through early August, small populations of Chiru, ranging in number from 200 to 400, move to the extreme northeastern part of Ladakh. They spend this brief summer in the remote upper Chang-Chenmo Valley.

Recently a survey indicated that during the past decade there was an increase in the overall population of the Tibetan antelope, but that the number of animals moving to the State has fallen. According to the study, the number has grown from 3,900 in 1991 to 5,890. The State Wildlife Department has proposed a project for their captive breeding.

The issue of extracting wool from the antelope has for long been a bone of contention between the State Government and wildlife enthusiasts. The State Government avers that the process of extraction of the wool does not kill the animal. The trade in the wool has been going on for centuries, and it provides employment to a large number of people in the State, it is argued. The matter is in court.

Mr. Sofi said: "The State Government is duty-bound to respect the verdict of the court. Till the time the decision comes, we will not extract wool from the Tibetan antelope.''

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Other States

News Update

Stories in this Section

Consensus eludes candidates' selection

Looking for those Tibetan antelopes

J&K women resent Bill

VIPs' daughters lose rights