OLogy Cards > Tibetan antelope

Tibetan antelope

The Tibetan antelope, also known as "chiru," is one of the most beautiful mammals in the world. Its thick, woolly, cream-colored coat provides needed protection against the cold Tibetan winters. Unfortunately, people pay thousands of dollars for scarves made from these coats to keep warm, too. It's illegal to buy or sell anything made from Tibetan antelope fur.

Stats

Stumper

Tibetan antelope live in Tibet, which is on which continent:

Asia

Africa

Australia

Correct!

Tibet is sandwiched between India and China in Asia. It's sometimes called "the rooftop of the world" because it is home to Mt. Everest. At 30,000 feet, Everest is the highest place in the world.

Stumper

Shahtoosh is another word for the Tibetan antelope's:

tall antlers

warm wool

fuzzy tail

Correct!

Shahtoosh is a Persian word that means "king of wools." Shahtoosh is illegally made into scarves. It takes three antelope to make one woman's shawl or scarf. Over 20,000 antelope are killed each year for their wool.

Fact or Fiction

Male Tibetan antelope often use their sharp horns to fight other male antelope.

Fact

Fiction

Fact

Male Tibetan antelope protect their territories by using their sharp horns to fight off rival males. These battles are rough and tough. Antelope horns are sharp. Ouch!

Fact or Fiction

Tibetan antelope dig shallow holes into the ground where they stop to rest.

Fact

Fiction

Fact

Tibetan antelope protect themselves against predators and chilly temperatures by digging holes about one foot deep into the ground.

Image credits: main image, courtesy of George B. Schaller.

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