Markhor | 10 Dec 2024

Why in News?

Recently, Markhor, a wild goat with spiral-shaped horns, was spotted in Baramulla district of North Kashmir.

Key Points

• About:
  • Markhor is the largest wild goat in the world. It is known for its thick fur, flowing beard and corkscrew horns.
• Legal Protection and Species Status:
  • Markhor, scientifically known as Capra falconeri, is classified as "Near Threatened" by the IUCN and protected under Schedule I of India’s Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
• Threats to Survival:
  • Primary threats include habitat loss from fencing, illegal grazing, poaching, and encroachment. Climate change is also affecting food resources, driving Markhor closer to human settlements.
• Global Recognition and Initiatives:
  • Recognizing its ecological importance, the UN General Assembly designated 24^th May as the International Day of the Markhor to encourage conservation efforts.
• Significance as a Flagship Species:
  • Markhor serves as a flagship species for conservation in J&K, helping protect other regional wildlife, such as Musk Deer and Brown Bear.
• Distribution and Habitat:
  • The endangered Markhor inhabits moist to semi-arid mountain regions across Pakistan, India (Jammu & Kashmir), Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Tajikistan.
  • In J&K, it’s found in areas like Shopian, the Pir Panjal range, and Kazinag Uri, but its population is fragmented due to human interference and habitat loss.