NCERT Class 7 Geography — Chapter 2: Life in the Deserts

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The 'Chiru' (Tibetan Antelope) is an endangered species primarily hunted for which one of the following?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

AIts wool, known as shahtoosh
BIts horns, used in traditional medicine
CIts skin, used for making tents
DIts meat, which is a delicacy

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is

Its wool, known as shahtoosh

Explanation

The Tibetan Antelope, locally known as the Chiru (Pantholops hodgsonii), is a species native to the high-altitude steppes of the Tibetan Plateau. It is accorded the highest legal protection under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and Appendix I of CITES.

Detailed Analysis:

Its meat, which is a delicacy is incorrect: While the animal may be consumed for sustenance in some local contexts, meat is not the driver of the international illegal trade that endangered the species.
Its horns, used in traditional medicine is incorrect: Although antelope horns are sometimes used in traditional practices, they are not the primary reason for the targeted commercial poaching of the Chiru.
Its wool, known as shahtoosh is correct: The Chiru is primarily hunted for its extremely fine and warm underfur, known as Shahtoosh (Persian for "King of Wools"). This wool is used to weave luxurious shawls that are highly valued globally. Unlike domesticated sheep, the Chiru cannot be sheared; the animals are killed to extract the wool, which led to a massive decline in their population.
Its skin, used for making tents is incorrect: The skin is not the primary commercial commodity sought from this species.

Key Takeaway: The primary threat to the Chiru (Tibetan Antelope) is poaching for Shahtoosh wool, which is considered the finest and warmest natural fiber in the world.

Your note

More from Chapter 2: Life in the Deserts

Consider the following statements regarding the general characteristics of deserts: 1. They are characterized by low rainfall and scanty vegetation. 2. They are always associated with extremely high temperatures. 3. Agriculture is impossible in desert areas even if water is available. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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With reference to the Sahara Desert, consider the following statements: 1. It covers a large part of North Africa. 2. It touches exactly three countries. 3. Its total area is more than double the area of India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Consider the following statements regarding the physical landscape of the Sahara Desert: 1. It consists solely of vast stretches of sand dunes. 2. It includes gravel plains and elevated plateaus with bare rocky surfaces. 3. Some rocky surfaces in the desert can be more than 2500m high. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Which of the following evidence suggests that the Sahara Desert was once a lush green plain?

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With reference to the climate of the Sahara Desert, consider the following statements: 1. The moisture evaporates faster than it accumulates. 2. The sky is typically overcast with heavy clouds. 3. Nights remain hot with temperatures staying above 30°C. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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The correct option is

Its wool, known as shahtoosh

Explanation

Detailed Analysis:

Its meat, which is a delicacy is incorrect: While the animal may be consumed for sustenance in some local contexts, meat is not the driver of the international illegal trade that endangered the species.
Its horns, used in traditional medicine is incorrect: Although antelope horns are sometimes used in traditional practices, they are not the primary reason for the targeted commercial poaching of the Chiru.
Its wool, known as shahtoosh is correct: The Chiru is primarily hunted for its extremely fine and warm underfur, known as Shahtoosh (Persian for "King of Wools"). This wool is used to weave luxurious shawls that are highly valued globally. Unlike domesticated sheep, the Chiru cannot be sheared; the animals are killed to extract the wool, which led to a massive decline in their population.
Its skin, used for making tents is incorrect: The skin is not the primary commercial commodity sought from this species.

Key Takeaway: The primary threat to the Chiru (Tibetan Antelope) is poaching for Shahtoosh wool, which is considered the finest and warmest natural fiber in the world.