The Majestic Markhor:

| ---| This paper focuses on the following real life narrative as a case of the people of Pakistan: A tale of resilience and conservation. 1. What has been established concerning the population of the Markhor species in the present moment? ![pexels-chris-f-38966-26630480.jpg](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmTaVVysURqHvSdSMfQp4kzAkKtFzS6wMFwAnHUYdx3t7m/pexels-chris-f-38966-26630480.jpg) [source](https://www.pexels.com/photo/goat-with-long-horns-26630480/) The species that is very well preserved in the wild of Pakistan is the Markhor, a handsome wild goat endemic to the higher altitudes of the country which also encountered many threats to its existence. Figures of the exact population numbers are hard to come by, however, studies indicate that there are between 2,500 and 3,000 Markhor alive in the wild. This figure makes them one of the most depleted populations of the Markhor in the historical list, which put this equine on the IUCN Red List as Near Threatened. 2. What kind of habitat and environmental changes endanger the Markhor and why it has as become a typical animal of Pakistan? The Markhor's precarious situation stems from a confluence of factors

Habitat Loss and Fragmentation:

| ---| Logging, particularly for the purpose of obtaining timber, fuelwood, and for conversion to agriculture has reduced the Markhor’s range. Further, roads/s and settlements depress remaining densities/fragment future popula- tions and limit the ranges and mate inevitably. ![pexels-alena-maruk-106558942-14681717.jpg](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmTeCtMci7ypFep9S38rXQJWbYPQztB3pvf2D9cvCsz6RP/pexels-alena-maruk-106558942-14681717.jpg) [source](https://www.pexels.com/photo/goat-markhor-14681717/)

Poaching

However, SMG horn, one of the most significant assets for the Markhor, in terms of size and curved shape, became a reason to kill these animals. People demand these horns for both traditional medicines and for ornamentally and internationally.

Climate Change

| ---| Changes in temperature and precipitation are affecting the habitat in which the Markhor lives in particularly in high altitude. Vegetation and water variations also affect food chain and affect migration in a negative way.

Human-Wildlife Conflict:

| ---| As human populations expand into Markhor territories, encounters between humans and these animals increase. Which in turn trigger competition for these resources and at times genocidal retaliation. However, all these threats have made the Markhor readily associated with the diverse fauna of Pakistan. It has become a symbol that reflects Pakistani traditions and the history. The symbol of the Markhor can be found on Pakistan’s 5 rupees coin, this showing us its importance to the country. 3. From all the information considered, it also raised following questions: What is the legal status of the Markhor in Pakistan? What legal protection does it have in the country? The Markhor enjoys significant legal protection in Pakistan:

Wildlife Act, 1972

| ---| This is the biggest legislation on wildlife conservation in the country and gives the general guideline on the same. It bans hunting, trading and possessing Markhor without the license of the provincial wildlife department. ![pexels-shuvalova-natalia-415991090-15211627.jpg](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmYd2vUBK9zGxU5ax6DeQ7ThpfLjNCTxb9tUiRfvVf4X6j/pexels-shuvalova-natalia-415991090-15211627.jpg) [source](https://www.pexels.com/photo/close-up-of-the-ears-of-an-antelope-15211627/)

Hunting Policy, 2009:

| ---| This policy also extends measures for hunting in as far as sustainable hunting practices is concerned and population of wild animals is also taken into consideration.

Establishment of Protected Areas:

| ---| To protect Markhor several national parks and wildlife sanctuaries have been set in its natural habitat. These CA help in giving necessary shelters and those specific places where ordinary activities of man may pose serious threats on the species are controlled.

International Agreements:

| ---| Heating capitation channels its exertion Pakistan to have joined the CITES, a convention against the global trade in Markhor parts. Conservation Efforts: Recognizing the critical importance of Markhor conservation, the Government of Pakistan, in collaboration with international organizations and local communities, has implemented several initiatives:

Anti-Poaching Measures:

| ---| Enhanced monitoring, participatory activities, and professionally enhanced police work have been used to reduce cases of poaching. * Habitat Restoration: Conservation of resources in the region is being done through afforestation and reforestation programs. * Community-Based Conservation: Local stakeholders are involved in conservation processes through offering vital information and support for he monitoring and protection processes.

Captive Breeding Programs:

| ---| Selective breeding has been conducted to maintain genetic stocks of Markhors and eventually rebuild populations that may be reintroduced in favorable environs. Challenges and Future Directions: ![pexels-philippe-serrand-337910945-15085773.jpg](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmZg5rwiuiisWzhKCSgSkNsU8TeXG4HP5GYnCtbUufphw3/pexels-philippe-serrand-337910945-15085773.jpg) [source](https://www.pexels.com/photo/markhor-wild-goats-on-a-mountain-15085773/) Despite these efforts, significant challenges remain: **Limited Resources:** Lack of funding and shortage of required personnel are some of the major difficulties for implementing the conservation programs. **Corruption and Lack of Enforcement:** Inadequately or inefficient enforcement of wildlife laws as well as corruption in implementing agencies remains an impediment in conservation. **Lack of Public Awareness:** Lack of awareness of the people regarding the needs to preserve Markhor and the challenges they face will decrease the chances of public supporting conservation programs. Moving forward, it is crucial to: **Strengthen Law Enforcement:** Get improvement on the ability of the wildlife law enforcement agencies to undertake the fight against poaching and illegal trade. **Increase Public Awareness:** Organize big awareness creation exercises to make organized communities understand the need to conserve Markhors. **Promote Sustainable Livelihood Alternatives:** Promote capacity of stake holders to take up sustainable source of income hence improving the standards of living of people and at the same time have less impact on wildlife. **Invest in Research:** Undertake additional studies on the overall life history characteristics, distribution, abundance, and spatial use of Markhor population to guide conservation measures. Preservation of the Markhor is therefore dependent with the government, non-governmental organizations and the community. Only through close collaboration can we see to it that these proud animals remain part of the rough terrain of Pakistan into the infinite future. The following information is given for general information and with educational material only. Special thanks for the help of the IUCN Red List and the references of the Government of Pakistan for more precise information about the discussed animals. ![1000049680.gif](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmU1rb3dJr4hiqCBmkiWnDrC3jcFYCq7UG8gCLii1CAfKP/1000049680.gif) @neelofar @quality20 @zoyabhatti ![image.png](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmbSwPaX8NJFf2NREHoP1zwuy9MeUPsrFrCwoHBb6ELrWb/image.png)