World Observes International Day of Markhor Today

Today, on Sunday the world is observing the International Day of the Markhor.

The UN General Assembly declared the day after a resolution from Pakistan, emphasizing the protection of the markhor, its natural environment, and global awareness of the endangered goat.

This year’s observance carries the theme “Markhor and Mountain Biodiversity: Strengthening Global Efforts for Ecosystem Conservation and Sustainable Development.” highlights the need to protect mountain ecosystems and promote sustainability.

Markhor, Pakistan’s national animal, is also stated to as the “screw-horned goat.” This animal is found across the mountainous areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Balochistan, and Azad Kashmir.

The resolution further calls the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to support organize activities for this international day.

Once close to destruction, the markhor inhabitants have made known firm enhancement over the years. Authorities say its statistics have more than doubled in the last two decades, with noteworthy growth since 2014.

Wildlife specialists report, the population has been growing at an annual rate of around 2%. As per current figures, the markhor population ranges from 3,500 to 5,000, with most found in northern and western mountainous regions of Pakistan.

This recovery has been largely supported by conservation initiatives significantly contributed to this recovery. Such ingenuities are contributory to the existence of one of Pakistan’s most iconic wild species.