October 6th, 1998

The Rt Hon Tony Blair MP

Prime Minister

On behalf of Friends of Nature, China’s most influential environmental NGO, I would like to welcome you to China.

Friends of Nature greatly appreciate the personal interest you have shown in environmental issues, and the importance your Government attaches to tackling environmental problems domestically and globally. I would like to take the opportunity of your visit to China to draw your attention to the plight of the Tibetan Antelope, and ask for your support for our efforts to protect this threatened species.

The Tibetan Antelope is found almost exclusively in western China, living at heights of over 4,500 metres. In 1979, it was included on the list of species for which trade is strictly forbidden under CITES. But despite this international ban, shahtoosh (the name given to the fur taken from the throat of the Tibetan Antelope) became very fashionable in the mid-1980, and the international market has thrived since. Shahtoosh can now be bought in markets in a number of European and other countries, all of which are signatories to CITES. In London in 1996, a shahtoosh shawl could fetch up to 3,500 pounds. And prices such as these in European markets have of course escalated prices of the raw fur imported illegally from China for processing in India.

Traders have spread that the fur is shed naturally with the changing seasons, and collected by local herdsmen. But this is simply not true. The reality is that all the fur is taken from the bodies of Tibetan Antelopes poached in China, with each animal yielding a mere 125-150 grammes. Over the last few years, the Chinese authorities have caught nearly one hundred groups of poachers, and confiscated thousands of Tibetan Antelope hides. One policeman was killed in the process. In 1997, the Tibet Forestry Bureau intercepted over 1000 kg of shahtoosh destined for export. Given the vast area of land involved, this can only represent a small proportion of the total.

Because of the poaching, the numbers of Tibetan Antelope are falling drastically. It is estimated that there are now no more than 75-100,000 left alive---just one tenth of the number 100 years ago. Estimates for the amount of shahtoosh processed in India suggest that more than 20,000 antelopes are killed for their fur each year. If poaching continues on this scale, there is a risk that the Tibetan Antelope will be extinct within 20 years.

Friends of Nature is now starting a campaign to save this rare and precious animal. We are encouraging and supporting the Chinese authorities to increase protection for the Tibetan Antelope and strengthen the fight against poachers. At the same time we are calling on people across the world who treasure wildlife and care for the environment to work together to put an end to the trade in shahtoosh,. For as long as there are profits to be made, so there will be poaching.

Britain enjoys an excellent reputation internationally for the high degree of concern it show for the protection of wild animals. I am sure that if the British people knew the true story behind shahtoosh they would show that same deep concern. I would ask that you use your personal influence, both in Britain and with your European partners, to raise the awareness of the plight of the Tibetan Antelope and help prevent this unique animal from being “fashioned for extinction”. I sincerely hope that Britain can be at the forefront of an international effort to eradicate the shahtoosh trade.

Liang Congjie

President, Friends of Nature.

(CIIC 01/18/01)