The Story of Tsoe (Tibetan antelopes) 藏羚羊的故事

Today we are witnessing rapid changes inside Tibet as China races ahead into the 21st century. While growth and globalization have brought benefits to untold millions, for some, it has spelled disaster.

The Tibetan Antelope, called Tsoe or Chiru, lives above the tree line on the Tibetan Plateau at an altitude of 14,000 ft and above. They are protected against the sub-zero temperatures and icy winds of the Himalayan plateau by the softest, finest hair on earth. An undercoat of this extremely fine fur, covered by a coarse outer fleece, enables it to survive winter temperatures of negative 45 degrees Fahrenheit.

In a cruel twist of fate, nature’s ingenuity is leading to ruin for this species. Shawls made from this fur, or shahtoosh, meaning “king of wool” in Persian, have long been prized amongst wealthy, fashionable Indian households. But in fact, shahtoosh shawls are produced by actually killing the antelope, a fact publicized in 1993 by world-renowned biologist, Dr. George Schaller. Despite current laws protecting the Tsoe, poachers shoot the animals before removing this prized undercoat, to be sold off to eager buyers.

With increasing globalization the popularity of these finely woven shawls has now spread to Europe, America and Japan. Fetching up to £5000 each, they have become a status symbol for those who can afford it, all the while pushing the Tsoe closer towards extinction.

A greater understanding of the tragic and illegal origins of shahtoosh shawls is urgently needed in order to reduce both production and demand, without which the very survival of the Tibetan antelope appears grim.

This film seeks to expose the real story behind the shahtoosh trade.  Our hope is that it makes an impact to help end this trade for good, while also shedding light on the problems of greed and vanity which fuel this industry.

A short documentary film by Sam Wangyal and Andrea Paffetti courtesy of Wild Nomads. Partially narrated by Dr. George Schaller with Wildlife Conservation Society.

Credits: Shi Ying, Laura Chang.

Synopsis by Sam Wangyal.

Originally published on July 23, 2010

一部关于藏羚羊盗猎和沙图什贸易的纪录短片。

Share on Facebook
Share on Twitter
Email to your friends
RSS Feed
HD on YouTube
Videocast via iTunes