Tibetan Antelope

SEO Title: Tibetan Antelope: Habitat, Conservation Status, Shahtoosh and Key Facts

Category: Environment & Ecology | Wildlife | Conservation

UPSC Notes

The Tibetan antelope, also known as Chiru, is a high-altitude mammal native to the Tibetan Plateau.

Key Pointers

  • Scientific name: Pantholops hodgsonii.

  • Primarily found on the Tibetan Plateau.

  • Adapted to extreme high-altitude conditions.

  • Known for its fine underfur called shahtoosh.

  • Illegal trade in shahtoosh has historically threatened the species.

  • Major conservation concerns:

    • Poaching

    • Illegal wildlife trade

    • Habitat disturbance

  • India has populations associated with the Changthang region of Ladakh.

  • Highly adapted to cold, oxygen-poor environments.

Prelims Focus: Tibetan antelope → Chiru → Pantholops hodgsonii → Tibetan Plateau → Changthang.