 Markhor is a wild goat, scientifically called Capra falconeri. This animal is distinguished by the flattened keel of its horns which in males twist in a corkscrew shape. There is much variation in the shape of its horns which has resulted in the description of a number of subspecies. The markhor species is native to India, in the Karakoram range and the Himalayas. It is listed on the IUCN Red List as Near Threatened since 2015.
Physical Characteristics of Markhor Markhor exhibit sexual dimorphism, with males being larger and having longer hair on the chin, throat, chest, and shanks. They stand between 65 to 120 centimeters at the shoulder, measuring 130 to 185 centimeters in length and weighing between 30 to 110 kilograms. They possess a distinctive coat that varies from grizzled, light brown to black in color, with the fur becoming longer and thicker during winter months. The lower legs are adorned with black and white fur. Female Markhor are generally redder in color, with shorter hair and a shorter, black beard. Unlike males, they lack a mane. Both sexes have tightly curled, corkscrew-like horns, with those of males growing up to 160 centimeters long and up to 25 centimeters in females. It has a blackish muzzle and ears, and a ruff of longer white hair down its chest and along its spine. Females are reddish-brown with short twisted horns and, like the males, white-stocking legs. Markhor have the highest maximum shoulder height among species in the genus Capra, although they are surpassed in length and weight by the Siberian ibex. Known for their pungent smell, especially in males, Markhor are important members of the mountain ecosystem in India, playing a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity. Types of Markhor found in India In India, the Markhor species comprises three distinct types- Astor markhor, Bukharan markhor, and Kabul markhor. Among these, the Astor markhor predominates in the mountainous regions of northern India. Identified by its large, flat horns, which branch widely and then ascend nearly straight with only a half turn, the Astor markhor is synonymous with Capra falconeri cashmiriensis or Pir Panjal markhor, characterized by heavy, flat horns twisted like a corkscrew. The Astor markhor exhibits a tendency for sexual segregation outside the mating season, driven by various mechanisms. Females typically inhabit cliffs with less forage coverage, while males prefer areas abundant in forage. In India, this subspecies is confined to a portion of the Pir Panjal range in southwestern Jammu and Kashmir. Throughout this range, Astor markhor populations are scattered, beginning east of the Banihal Pass (50 km from the Chenab River) on the Jammu–Srinagar highway and extending westward to the disputed border with Pakistan. Habitat of Markhor Markhor grazes grass and browse on shrubs and is active mostly in the early morning and late afternoon. Young males and females keep together in small bunch, the older males remaining solitary and staying at higher altitudes except during the rut which is in the later parts of the month of November. At this time the males emit a pungent goaty odour and fight each other for possession of estrous females, rising high on their hind legs and crashing their horns sideways down on to their opponent. Markhor inhabits the most precipitous cliffs and crags in the higher arid mountain ranges of Blauchistan and the northern Himalayas. A small population survives precariously in the PirPanjal range of India. Markhor is much prized as a trophy by the local hill people and its number has declined throughout its range due to this hunting pressure. Small population also occurs in Afghanistan and Soviet central Asia. Ecology of Markhor Markhors live in herds typically consisting of nine animals, mainly composed of adult females and their young. Adult males, however, are largely solitary. Their alarm call closely resembles the bleating of domestic goats. During early seasons, both males and females can be found together on open grassy patches and clear slopes among forests. In summer, males tend to remain in the forest, while females usually climb to the highest rocky ridges above. In spring, females prefer to stay closer to cliffs in areas with more rock coverage to protect their offspring. Meanwhile, males stay in higher elevated areas with better access to vegetation for foraging to enhance their body condition. Markhor face threats from various predators including the Eurasian lynx, snow leopard, Himalayan wolf, and brown bear. Young markhor may also fall prey to the golden eagle. Possessing keen eyesight and a strong sense of smell, markhor are vigilant and quick to detect nearby predators. They remain alert and are quick to flee from potential threats, especially in exposed areas. Conservation of Markhor The International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) currently categorizes the markhor as near threatened due to its relatively small population size. While there is no projected total population decline, ongoing conservation efforts are crucial for maintaining population levels. In India, the markhor is fully protected as a Schedule I species under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1978 in Jammu and Kashmir. |
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Markhor in India
| Markhor is a wild goat which normally lives in high altitudes. Considered an endangered species, Markhor mainly dominates southwestern Jammu and Kashmir`s Pir Panjal range. |
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