Deep within the Andes of Peru gallops an animal thats treasured across the world.
Their wool was considered to be a coat of gold, and was reserved only for the royalty.
No one ever killed a Vicuna.
Vicuna wool was accepted to be a profitable commodity equivalent to silk in the olden times.
The difference was that among the Spanish, killing came easy.
Millions of free roaming Vicunas were violently poached and peeled for their precious manes.
Only a few centuries later, order was restored.
With only 6,000 Vicunas left in 1960, the Peruvian government declared them to be an endangered species.
Poaching was banned once again.
A 40 square mile Vicuna reserve called Pampas Galeras was created in the Ayacucho region.
The government incentivised its trade in a way that poor households could begin earning off it.
This would give the locals reason to protect the dwindling numbers.
Today, about 200,000 Vicunas roam the region once again.
Chaccu ceremonies continue in rural communities and remain open to tourists as well.
A kilo of Vicuna wool sells for anywhere between $399 and $600.
Photo:Sergio Otarola/Flickr
Each fiber measures about 12 microns, which is 12 thousandths of a millimeter.
Can you think of something that could match that level of fineness?
Moreover, they are also capable of interlocking among themselves due to the presence of scales.
This means that Vicuna wool can trap heat and air within its threads.
References#Masterclass.com#The Indian Express#Magazine Horse
