The businesswoman, identified as Bharati Ashok Assomull, told the court she had procured 130 shawls worth more than $ 500,000 from New Delhi and pleaded ignorance of the international agreement on banning the slaughter and sale of products derived from the endangered Tibetan antelope, Chiru.

According to reports, the judge said, ``This kind of fine had to be imposed so traders know this conduct will not be accepted.''

Animal lovers have launched a worldwide campaign to seek a ban on the Shahtoosh trade, which involves killing of the endangered species generally found in the Tibetan plateau. Following the awareness, almost all nations, including India, have signed the Convention on Trade in endangered species (CITES).

However, India continues to manufacture Shahtoosh shawls as the Jammu andKashmir Government is yet to enlist Chiru as an endangered animal. Wildlife enthusiasts are locked in a legal battle with traders and the Jammu and Kashmir Government to press for a ban on Shahtoosh trade.