The International Markhor Day is being observed in Pakistan and parts of the world, recognising the importance of preserving the markhor and its natural habitat.
Listed as an endangered species in 2014, the markhor's conservation highlights the need to protect both the species and its ecosystem.
The markhor, an endangered wild goat, inhabits the mountainous regions of Central and South Asia, including Pakistan, Afghanistan, India, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. As the only wild ungulate and a primary prey for snow leopards, the markhor plays a crucial role in its ecosystem.
Moreover, the markhor holds significant cultural value for the people of Pakistan and attracts international hunter-tourists, offering a unique and exotic hunting experience. This influx of tourists, underscores the economic and cultural importance of conserving this majestic species.
