Markhor | Pakistan

CHITRAL: The International Day of the Markhor passed unnoticed in Chitral as the local wildlife department failed to hold any ceremony or awareness event to mark the occasion for the second consecutive year. The silence is particularly stark given that Chitral hosts the largest population of Kashmir Markhor in its national park, while the wildlife department’s two divisional offices exist here. The day, established by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) two years ago on May 24, 2024, aims to highlight the ecological importance of Pakistan’s national animal and boost global conservation efforts Local ecologists and conservationists have expressed regret over the official negligence and pointed out that the Kashmir Markhor found in Chitral was globally renowned for its unique physique, majestic flared horns, and distinct beauty. “To completely ignore a day dedicated to our national animal, especially in its primary habitat, sends a terrible message about our conservation priorities,” said a local ecologi...

The world’s largest sculpture of the Markhor, Pakistan’s national animal, has been installed at one of Kaghan Valley’s most picturesque locations, Bata Kundi.

A trophy hunting permit for Pakistan’s national animal, the Markhor, was auctioned for a record-breaking Rs100 million (approximately $370,000) in Gilgit-Baltistan under the region’s annual Trophy Hunting Program.