30 March 2006
US adds Tibetan antelope to endangered species list
(US Department of State) In a move to increase worldwide environmental conservation efforts, the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has listed the Tibetan antelope as an endangered species under the authority of the Endangered Species Act. Both China and India have endorsed the action, according to a 30 March USFWS press release. The Tibetan antelope has been listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), an international treaty to which the US is a signatory, since 1975. Although CITES prohibits the importation of Tibetan antelope and its products into the US for commercial purposes, a strong black market persists, especially in shatoosh shawls. The addition of the antelope to the endangered species list strengthens protective measures by prohibiting the import, export and interstate and foreign commerce of the Tibetan antelope and its products.