The International Day of the Markhor is being observed worldwide, raising awareness about protecting this ecologically vital species.
Known for its remarkable corkscrew-shaped horns, the markhor (Capra falconeri) is found in hilly areas of Afghanistan, India, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.
It is suited to rough, sparsely wooded terrain at elevations ranging from 600 to 3,600 meters. It is also the national animal of Pakistan.
May 24 was officially declared the International Day of the Markhor by the UN General Assembly.
First observed in 2024, the day encourages global stakeholders, public society, and UN member states to support regional cooperation and conservation.
Even with its ecological and cultural importance, the markhor is nevertheless under danger.
The species is still in risk due to habitat degradation, illicit hunting, including poaching, and climate change.
The flare-horned, straight-horned, and Bukharan markhor are among the recognized subspecies that are all regarded as endangered or severely endangered.
The markhor has been included in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) since 1992 and was designated as “near threatened” on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List in 2014.
Conservationists caution that immediate action is required because there are only an estimated 5,700 mature individuals left in the wild.
They contend that preserving the markhor promotes sustainable tourism, boosts local economies, and protects wildlife.
