Key points
- Markhor is Pakistan’s national animal
- It plays a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance
- Markhor was categorised as “near threatened” in 2014
ISLAMABAD: International Day of the Markhor is being observed today across Pakistan to foster conservation efforts.
Markhor – Capra falconeri scientifically – is an iconic and ecologically significant species found across the mountainous regions of Central and South Asia.
The greatest threats to the survival of the Markhor are habitat loss, illegal hunting, including poaching, and climate change.
Preserving the Markhor and its natural habitat is an ecological imperative and a significant opportunity to bolster the regional economy, foster conservation efforts and promote sustainable tourism and economic growth.
Pakistan observed the first-ever celebration of ‘International Day of the Markhor’ last year after it was proclaimed by the United Nations.
“Near threatened”
On May 2, 2024, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution, sponsored by Pakistan and eight other countries, proclaiming May 24 as the International Day of the Markhor, according to APP.
It recognises that preserving the Markhor, which was categorised as “near threatened” in 2014, and its natural habitat is an ecological imperative, given the animal’s role in the overall ecosystem.
The Markhor population in Pakistan has kept increasing for the past ten years, reaching between 3,500 and 5,000 today, thanks to the country’s proactive conservation programmes and community engagement.
Around the world, however, their numbers are declining — there are fewer than 6,000 mature individuals across the planet today.
Famous for its long, corkscrew-shaped horns, this iconic and ecologically significant species can be found across the mountainous regions of Central and South Asia, including in Pakistan.
The greatest threats to its survival are habitat loss, illegal hunting, including poaching, and climate change.
Skilled climber
A skilled climber, the Markhor can traverse slanted, almost vertical mountainous terrain and can be found between 600 and 3,500 meters in elevation.
The resolution invites people all over the world to celebrate that day and encourages conservation efforts, while highlighting the importance of continued international and regional cooperation.
Pakistan’s Living Indus initiative, which aims to protect and restore the environment, was designated a ‘World Restoration Flagship’ project by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) in February last year. It is led by the government of Pakistan and supported by the United Nations.
