International Day of the Markhor | Markhor Day | History Of the Markhor Day | Markhor Subspecies in Pakistan | Markhor Conservation

The International Day of the Markhor is celebrated annually on May 24. The world celebrated Markhor Day  for the first time in 2024. It aims to raise awareness about the importance of Markhors and the need for Markhor conservation. Notably, the Markhor is the national animal of Pakistan. Pakistan has three Markhor subspecies: the Astor Markhor, Kashmir Markhor, and Suleiman Markhor.

This iconic and ecologically vital species lives in the mountainous regions of Central and South Asia, including Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Beyond  ecological importance of Markhors, they also play an important role in local economy  through eco-tourism and community-based conservation.

Interesting Facts and Information about Markhor

Pakistan has played a leading role in establishing International Markhor Day. Moreover, Pakistan has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to wildlife conservation through effective policies, community engagement, and internationally recognized initiatives.

History of the International Day of the Markhor

On May 2, 2024, the United Nations (UN) General Assembly officially declared May 24 as the International Day of the Markhor, through Resolution A/RES/78/278. However, this resolution was proposed by Pakistan and eight other countries. So, the first Markhor Day was celebrated in 2024.

The resolution emphasizes the urgent need to protect the Markhor and its habitat. It also highlights the essential role of Markhor in maintaining ecological balance. Pakistan’s Markhor population has steadily increased, due to proactive conservation programs. Today, Pakistan is home to an estimated 3,500 to 5,000 Markhors. Meanwhile, fewer than 6,000 mature Markhors remain worldwide, making Pakistan a key sanctuary for their survival.

Additionally, it also highlights the intrinsic value of wildlife and its wide-ranging contributions to sustainable development and human well-being. These include ecological, genetic, social, economic, scientific, educational, cultural, recreational, and aesthetic benefits, all of which play a vital role in supporting life and natural systems.

چترال میں مارخور،برفانی چیتے اور فالکن کیلئے ریسکیو سنٹر بنانے کا مطالبہ

Importance of the International Day of the Markhor

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classified the Markhor as “Near Threatened” in 2014 and placed it on the Red List of Threatened Species. Moreover, since 1992, the Markhor has been included in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which prohibits international trade to protect the species.

Preserving the Markhor and its natural habitat is critical. Not only does it protect biodiversity, but it also creates opportunities to strengthen regional economies. Additionally, strong Markhor conservation efforts enhance local livelihoods, promote sustainable tourism, and drive inclusive economic growth.

They are facing many threats such as habitat destruction, illegal hunting, and climate change. Therefore, it is necessary to protect them.
Most importantly, protecting the Markhor contributes to healthy ecosystems, supporting balanced food chains, sustainable forests, and long-term environmental resilience. International Markhor Day, recognizes both the ecological value of Markhor and Pakistan’s leadership in Markhor Conservation.

Markhor in Pakistan

The Markhor (Capra falconeri) is the national animal of Pakistan and a powerful symbol of the country’s natural heritage. With its majestic spiral horns, striking appearance, and remarkable climbing ability, the Markhor symbolizes strength, resilience, and natural beauty.
The word “Markhor” means “snake-eater” in Persian, though the species does not eat snakes. The name refers to the twisting shape of its horns, which resemble coiled serpents.
In Pakistan, Markhors inhabit the rugged mountainous regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Chitral, Kohistan, and Kalam, as well as Gilgit-Baltistan, Balochistan, and parts of Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

گلگت میں استور مارخور کے شکار کیلئے لائسنس جاری

Markhor Subspecies in Pakistan

Pakistan is home to the largest population of Markhors in the world and hosts three of the four recognized Markhor subspecies:

1. Astor Markhor – Found in Gilgit-Baltistan, including Skardu, Astore, and parts of Chitral.

2. Kashmir Markhor – Inhabits Chitral Gol National Park, Kohistan, and Swat.

3. Suleiman (or Straight-horned) Markhor – Native to the Torghar Hills in Balochistan.

These regions provide the rocky cliffs, dry forests, and alpine habitats that Markhors prefer. They typically live at elevations between 600 to 3,600 meters, showcasing their agility and adaptability in harsh terrains.

Editor In Chief

Dr. Jassar Aftab is a qualified Veterinarian having expertise in veterinary communication. He is a renowned veterinary Journalist of Pakistan. He is veterinary columnist, veterinary writer and veterinary analyst. He is the author of three books. He has written a number of articles and columns on different topics related to livestock, dairy, poultry, wildlife, fisheries, food security and different aspects of animal sciences and veterinary education.

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