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Species in News- Markhor
Context:
The United Nations has designated 24th May as the International Day of the Markhor to raise awareness about this iconic species.
More in News:
This day aims to highlight the conservation efforts needed to protect the markhor from habitat loss, illegal hunting, and climate change threats.
About the Markhor:
Features:
- The markhor (Capra falconeri) is a species of wild goat native to the mountainous regions of Central and South Asia.
- It is known for its distinctive corkscrew-shaped horns, which can grow up to 63 inches in length.
- Markhors are adapted to mountainous terrain, inhabiting elevations ranging from 600 to 3,600 meters.
- They prefer open woodlands, scrublands, and light forests as their habitat.
Habitat and Range:
- It is the national animal of Pakistan.
- Markhors are found across Afghanistan, India, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.
- They play a crucial role in their ecosystems by contributing to biodiversity and ecosystem health.
IUCN Status:
- The markhor was categorised as “near threatened” in 2014 by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
- It has been included in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) since 1992.
- The total number of mature markhor individuals worldwide is estimated to be approximately 5,700.
- These markhor subspecies are distinguished by their distinct horn shapes and are spread across Central and South Asia.
- All three are facing significant threats to their survival, primarily due to habitat loss, illegal hunting, and other human-induced pressures.
Horn Variations of the Markhor:
- Flare-Horned Markhor (C. f. falconeri):
- Found in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India.
- Horns twist anti-clockwise.
- Endangered status.
- Straight-Horned Markhor (C. f. megaceros):
- Native to Afghanistan and Pakistan.
- Horns twist anti-clockwise.
- Endangered status.
- Bukharan Markhor (C. f. heptneri):
- Occurs in Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan.
- Horns twist anti-clockwise.
- Critically endangered status.