The population of Markhor – Pakistan’s national animal –Â has witnessed a remarkable surge in the picturesque landscapes of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
Revered for its agile nature, distinctive appearance, and imposing spiral horns, the Markhor holds a special place in the nation’s biodiversity.
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Wildlife Department recently released a report heralding a substantial increase in the Markhor population, with numbers reaching an impressive 5,621 in the province.
This surge is particularly significant given the species’ preference for the highest mountainous terrains, including regions in Chitral, Kohistan, and Kalam, within Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, as well as the northern Gilgit-Baltistan region.
The report highlights specific regions contributing to the population boom, with Chitral leading the way at 2,427 Markhors, followed by Kohistan with 660, and Swat with 159. These figures indicate a positive trend in the concerted conservation efforts aimed at preserving this iconic species.
