China Green | Asia Society » Blog Archive » The Story of Tsoe (Tibetan antelopes) 藏羚羊的故事

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 21^st 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。

7 Responses to “The Story of Tsoe (Tibetan antelopes) 藏羚羊的故事”

lilia Says:
November 5th, 2011 at 2:53 pm
Hello!!! My name is Lilia Candida and I’ am writing from Italy..your land is amazing..your videos are very interesting…China and Tibet are two places in the world with the most spectacular sites…Thanks for sharing through the videos such a beauty that the world cannot lose…
Clare Rosenfield Says:
August 3rd, 2010 at 12:19 pm
The Tsoe is a beautiful rare creature that deserves our protection. China has been forward-thinking re the Green Revolution; now China needs to be consistent in honoring the life of a creature who needs NOT to go extinct. Please protect this creature from poachers; the whole world is watching and will be grateful for your protection.
Watch: The Story of Tsoe on China Green | Expat Guide Says:
July 29th, 2010 at 1:55 am
[...] environmental issues in China. This time, Sam Wangyal and his colleagues have taken a look at Tibet’s famed antelope: The Tibetan Antelope, called Tsoe or Chiru, lives above the tree line on the Tibetan Plateau at [...]
Guillermo Orjuela Says:
July 28th, 2010 at 3:11 pm
I’m Colombian and I want to be of any help if you consider so. I want to contribute to the efforts in order to preserve the tibetan antilope of extintion.

CHINA GREEN: We appreciate your offer to help. We are here trying to get as many people around the world to see it, raising more awareness wherever possible.
Suresh Raisinghani Says:
July 27th, 2010 at 9:14 pm
We must take this forward to make a significant impact. That would require sharing the ‘story’ (and, not necessarily, the video) with a larger audience, particularly, the rich population. My suggestion is to get as many airlines as possible to put the story in their in-flight magazines. I am sure many airlines would be happy to take up this cause.

CHINA GREEN: Thanks for your suggestion, which is a great idea. We will see what we can do. We’d be happy to ask the producers to provide the video to airlines if any of them are interested.
Luiz Marques Says:
July 27th, 2010 at 2:07 pm
What could be done to help these animals? I am Brazilian and live in São Paulo. Please, get in contact if you believe I can be of any help.

Best wishes,

Luiz

CHINA GREEN: Thanks Luiz for your offer to help. I guess we are here trying to promote the video as widely as possible. The more people see it the better.
The story of Tsoe (Tibetan antelopes) | Asian Correspondent Says:
July 27th, 2010 at 5:19 am
[...] 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.READ MORE AND WATCH THE SHORT DOCUMENTARY FILM HERE [...]