Straight-Horned Markhor

The straight-horned markhor (Capra falconeri jerdoni) is one of five subspecies of markhor. It is a large, mythical-looking goat with long, twisting horns that lives in the arid, rocky mountains of Afghanistan and Pakistan. It is the national animal of Pakistan. With the help of concentrated conservation efforts, this endangered species of markhor is on the rebound, warranting a proposed change in its listing from endangered to threatened in 2012.

Appearance

The most prominent characteristics of the markhor are its twisting horns, which can grow over five feet in length. The male markhor has a thick, stocky build with a black beard and shaggy mane of long dark hair hanging from the neck. Females are generally shorter and more slender. They do not have manes, and their horns are smaller (only about ten inches in length). The markor's coat color and length vary with the seasons. The summer coat is shorter, sleeker, and rusty reddish-gray than the winter coat which becomes longer and grayer throughout the cold winter months.

Size

Height: 25 to 45 inches at the shoulder (males are generally taller)

Length: 55 to 70 inches

Male weight: 176 to 243 pounds

Female weight: 70 to 110 pounds

Habitat

Markhor live in rocky, mountainous terrain between 2,000 and 12,000 feet in elevation. In these areas, they inhabit scrub forests of oaks, pines, and junipers.

Diet

The markhor's diet changes somewhat with the seasons. In the spring and summer months, they graze on available grasses and forbs. In winter, the animals browse on tree leaves and branches, sometimes standing on their hind legs to reach high branches.

Reproduction

Mating takes place during the winter. At this time, males fight each other to attract female attention. Two males will lunge at one another, locking their long horns and attempting to push each other off balance. After mating occurs, the female gestation period lasts up to 170 days. Twins kids are commonly born, and rarely triplets. For most of the year, female markhor live in groups of about nine, composed of adult females and young. Males are more solitary.

Lifespan

About 12 to 13 years

Geographic Range

Markhor species inhabit the mountainous regions of Afghanistan and Pakistan. The straight-horned subspecies more specifically inhabits the mountains of Balochistan Province, Pakistan.

Conservation Status

This species is listed wherever it is found. It is classified as both Endangered and Under Review by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. It has been proposed for downlisting from Endangered to Threatened because of population increases. The IUCN classifies the markhor as an endangered species, meaning it is in danger of facing extinction in the near future if conservation efforts are not maintained.

Estimated Population

The Torghar Hills population has increased from fewer than 200 animals in the mid-1980s to more than 3,000 animals today.

Population Trend

Increasing

Causes of Population Decline

Markhor populations declined due to intensive hunting (for trophies, meat, and Asian medicine), habitat loss as a result of expanded human settlement, and competition from domestic livestock.

Conservation Efforts

The proposed reclassification of the endangered markor reflects a marked rebound in population numbers due to recovery efforts in the Torghar Hills, including a wildlife management plan called the Torghar Conservation Project (TCP), a community-based conservation program that aims to improve conditions for the markor while simultaneously appeasing local people who must coexist sustainably with the markhor in order for it to survive. The plan works to improve habitat for both markhor and domestic livestock, improve the economic conditions for local tribes in Torghar, and generate conservation revenues by allowing for limited trophy hunting of markhor.