The Iconoic Markhor

The Markhor, Biologically known as Capra falconeri is a famous and ecologically important species. It is mostly found in the south and central Asia. Pakistan, Afghanistan, India, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Tajikistan are the native countries of Markhor.

The observation of the International Day of Markhor was started by the United Nations General Assembly. On 2 May 2024, They declare 24 May as the International Day of Markhor. This day is commemorated to raise awareness about the conservation and protection of this precious species and its habitat.
Markhor was declared a threatened or near threatened species in 2014 and is placed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature's red list of threatened species. The reason for being threatened is habitat loss, Illegal and uncontrolled hunting, and climate change.

Markhor is the national animal of Pakistan. It is the combination of two words of the Pashto language and classical Persian language Mar means snake and Khor means eater, which combined means snake-eater. The regional people believe that it eats the snake which is why it is known as Markhor or snake eater. Conservation of this species and its natural habitat is an essential ecological step. It is important for improving the regional economy, sustainable tourism, and saving as a national symbol.
Markhor is famous worldwide for its unique type of Horns. People throughout the world visit to see the Markhor. They are interested in hunting (Trophy Hunting). They mostly hunt the Markhor for its beautiful Horns and Fur. It is Horns and Fur are priced at millions of dollars.

The given below pictures shows the Markhor species of Chitral Valley, Pakistan. I captured these pictures on 12 May during my visit to Chitral Valley.