Vicuna Poachings on the Rise in Peru

The Vicuna, a camelid native to the Andes of South America, has been poached to near-extinction because its wool is among the most expensive in the world. The animal's coat, which can only be shorn every three years, sells for as much as $10,000 per kilogram.

Nowhere is the demand for Vicuna wool higher than in Peru, where it is used to make luxury items such as scarves, shawls, and sweaters. Poachers often kill the animals illegally for their wool and flee with it into neighboring countries such as Chile and Argentina.

In response to the poaching crisis, Peru has tightened its laws regulating the hunting and export of Vicuna fur. In addition, the government has created sanctuaries in which the animals are protected from hunters. Despite these efforts, however, poaching continues unabated.

Local communities have also taken steps to protect the Vicuna. For example, in the village of Ccaccaccollo in central Peru, residents have organized a brigade of "Vicuna guardians" whose job is to patrol the surrounding countryside and report any poaching activity.

Despite these efforts, it will likely take many years – if not decades – before the Vicuna population recovers from the poaching crisis. In the meantime, prices for Vicuna wool will continue to rise as more and more people learn about this luxurious fiber.

Vicuna Auction Nets $1.5M

In an auction held Friday at the Darling Downs Zoo in Toowoomba, Australia, a vicuna named Elvis netted $1.5 million, setting a world record for the most expensive alpaca fiber ever sold.

The high bid for Elvis was placed by Australian clothier Bruce Lynton, who said he plans to use the fiber to create suits and other clothing items that will be "very exclusive."

"There's only so much vicuna wool in the world," Lynton said. "It's something special and it's very rare."

The previous world record for vicuna wool was set in 2009 when an American buyer paid $1 million for a coat made from the fiber of two Peruvian animals.

Vicunas are members of the camel family and are native to the high Andes mountains of South America. They are related to llamas and alpacas, and their wool is prized for its softness and warmth.

The fibers of a single vicuna can sell for hundreds or even thousands of dollars, depending on their quality. Vicunas are typically sheared every two years, and each animal yields about five pounds of wool.

First Vicuna Fleece Shipment Arrives in U.S.4. Christie's to Hold Vicuna Auction

The very first shipment of vicuna fleece from Peru has arrived in the United States, according to a report from the Textile Museum of America. The 50-pound bale of vicuna fiber will be used to create high-quality textiles and clothing, with the hope of boosting the Peruvian economy.

In addition, Christie's is set to hold an auction of vicuna items next month. The auction will include coats, shawls, scarves, and other items made from the luxurious fiber. All proceeds from the auction will benefit the Save the Children charity.

Vicuna are one of the smallest camelids in the world, and they are finely textured with a very soft coat. The fleece is so delicate that it can only be sheared every three years; this is why it is so costly and rare.

The vicuna has long been considered a symbol of luxury and wealth. In Inca times, only royalty were allowed to wear clothes made from vicuna fiber. Today, prices for vicuna products can reach as high as $2,000 per item.

So far, there has been only limited production of vicuna fiber in Peru. With increased demand for these products in the United States and Europe, however, that is likely to change. The new shipment of fiber will help to jumpstart this industry – and help to improve the lives of those who work with these animals in Peru.

5. 5 Vicunas Killed After Escaping from Chinese Zoo

A little more than a week ago, 5 vicunas were killed after they escaped from a Chinese zoo.

The vicunas, which are members of the camel family, likely escaped from their enclosure at the zoo in Hefei, capital of eastern China's Anhui Province, by jumping over a 2-meter-high fence.

Once they were on the loose, they caused havoc in the surrounding area. They damaged cars and other property, and even attacked and killed several animals, including some cows.

After several days of running loose, authorities finally managed to track down and kill all 5 of the vicunas.

While it's not entirely clear how the animals escaped in the first place, some have speculated that the zoo's fencing may have been inadequate or that staff may not have been keeping a close enough watch on the animals.

Whatever the case may be, this incident serves as a cautionary tale for zoos around the world to make sure their enclosures are properly secure.