Environment: Rare Antelopes still being poached in China

The China Wildlife Conservation Association, claim that Tibetan antelopes are still being killed by poachers, with over 100 culled in April and August this year.

According to www.xinhuanet.com , Swiss customhouse has seized a total of 537 pieces of shahtoosh shawls, (much prized in the west) indicating that between 1,600 and 2,700 Tibetan antelopes have been poached since June.

Since 1979, the Tibetan antelope has been recognized as an endangered species and protected under the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). In 1989, the species was listed as Class A of protected animal species in China's Wildlife Protection Law.