Markhor

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News: The foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreaks reported among livestock in the Kashmir region can spread from livestock to wildlife such as Markhors and Hanguls.

About Markhor

Markhor
Source: .Greater kashmir
Aspects Description
About
  • The Markhor is scientifically known as Capra falconeri.
  • It is the largest wild goat in world.
  • It is known for its thick fur, flowing beard and corkscrew horns.
Physical Features
  • Markhors are known for their distinctive spiral-shaped horns, which can grow up to 160 cm (63 inches) in males.
  • They have long, thick fur that varies from brown to grey, providing camouflage in rocky environments.
  • Male markhors can weigh between 80-110 kg, while females are smaller, weighing around 32-50 kg.
Habitat
  • They primarily inhabit mountainous regions at altitudes ranging from 600 to 3,600 m (2,000 to 11,800 feet).
  • They are found in parts of Pakistan, Afghanistan, India, and Tajikistan.
Diet
  • Markhors are herbivores, mainly grazing on grasses, leaves, and herbs.
  • In winter, they consume woody plants when other vegetation is scarce.
Behaviour
  • They are social animals, often found in small groups.
  • While males are usually solitary or in small bachelor groups, females and young tend to stay together in larger herds.
Threat
  • Major threats include illegal hunting for their horns, loss of habitat due to human activities, and competition for food with livestock.
Conservation Status
  • The Markhor is listed as Near Threatened by the IUCN.
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