The Chiru, also known as the Tibetan antelope, is an endangered species. Let's understand why:

Endangered Species:
An endangered species is a species of animal or plant that is in danger of becoming extinct. A species can become endangered for various reasons, including habitat loss, poaching, and climate change.

Reasons for Endangerment of Chiru:
1. Habitat Loss: The Chiru inhabits the high-altitude grasslands and shrublands of the Tibetan Plateau and surrounding areas. However, human activities such as mining, grazing, and infrastructure development have led to habitat loss and fragmentation, which threatens the survival of the Chiru.

2. Poaching: The Chiru is hunted for its soft and warm wool, which is known as shahtoosh. Shahtoosh shawls are highly valued and can fetch high prices in the black market. Poaching of Chiru for shahtoosh has led to a significant decline in their population.

3. Climate Change: Climate change is also a threat to the Chiru. Changes in temperature and precipitation patterns can affect the availability of food and water, which can impact the survival of the Chiru.

Conservation Efforts:
To conserve the Chiru, various conservation efforts have been undertaken. These include:

1. Habitat Protection: Protected areas have been established to conserve the habitat of the Chiru. These areas are managed to reduce human impacts and preserve the natural ecosystem.

2. Anti-Poaching Measures: Efforts are being made to reduce poaching of Chiru for shahtoosh. This includes stricter enforcement of laws, awareness campaigns, and alternative livelihood options for local communities.

3. Climate Change Mitigation: Efforts are being made to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the impacts of climate change. This includes promoting clean energy, sustainable land use practices, and adaptation measures.

Conclusion:
The Chiru is an endangered species due to habitat loss, poaching, and climate change. However, conservation efforts are underway to protect and conserve this species for future generations.