Markhor, a wild goat, is the national animal of Pakistan. Found mainly in northern Pakistan, Afghanistan and parts of Central Asia, this rare and majestic breed is the subject of folklore and revered for centuries for its unique appearance. Unique and charming as well as loud and proud. With spiral horns up to 5 feet long and shaggy fur, Markhor is a sight to behold.
Although popular in regions, the antelope is still listed as an endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. This is due to its popular target for trophy hunting as well as its shrinking habitat. Fortunately, conservation efforts are underway to protect the Markhor and its fragile habitat in the area.
One of the most unique facts about Markhor is his special diet. In addition to grazing on grass and other vegetation, Markhor are also known to eat tree bark, juniper leaves, and pine needles.
In fact, their diet makes them the only goat species that eats pine needles. This behavior helps Markhor access nutrient-rich ingredients that would otherwise be difficult to access; something that not all wild herbivores can do. Markhor is also known for his impressive climbing ability. They can climb mountains as easily as if walking on a flat surface and have been popular to climb up to 13,000 feet. This makes them well adapted to their natural habitat in the Himalayas and allows them to escape predators.
The Markhor is an extremely impressive animal that is sure to capture the hearts and imaginations of many people. With their distinctive diet, impressive climbing abilities and unique mating rituals, the Markhor is a species that is sure to be revered for generations to come. Through our conservation efforts, we hope that this majestic creature will remain an icon of Pakistan for many years to come.