Shahtoosh
Definition
Wool from the chiru antelope (Pantholops hodgsonii), CITES Appendix I, with a mean fibre diameter of 9-12 micrometres. Distinguished from cashmere by fibre diameter and smooth cuticle under SEM.
- Source animal
- Chiru antelope (Pantholops hodgsonii)
- CITES status
- Appendix I
- Fibre diameter
- 9 to 12 micrometres
- Distinguishing test
- SEM comparison of fibre diameter and cuticle smoothness
Common questions
Why is shahtoosh identification forensically significant?+
Because the chiru is critically protected under CITES Appendix I, possession or trade of shahtoosh wool is illegal in most jurisdictions, so laboratory confirmation of the fibre's animal origin underpins wildlife-trafficking prosecutions.
How reliable is visual inspection alone for telling shahtoosh from cashmere?+
Visual inspection is unreliable because the two fibres can look similar to the naked eye; SEM examination of fibre diameter and cuticle surface pattern is needed to distinguish them with confidence.
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