Falling markhor population

The International Union for Conservation of Nature has declared the markhor (mountain goat) an endangered species in view of its dwindling population in Pakistan. The strategy adopted by the government to save the species from extinction paid dividends, as the number of the animal in Chitral National Park which had declined to an alarmingly low level in 2004 increased to 2,868 — a record high — in 2019. However, as a result of mismanagement on the part of the government, the number of the endangered species has now dropped significantly. This situation is reportedly being attributed mainly to poaching. Lately, salaries of staffers of the wildlife department have reportedly become irregular and this is driving them to allow illegal hunting of markhors. Some members of local communities are also said to be involved in the racket.

The government introduced a hunting trophy scheme to prevent poaching of markhors in CNP. Foreigners are allowed to hunt the animal for hefty fees. This brought more than one million dollars to the government every year, and also created a sense of involvement in local communities, so they helped with anti-poaching efforts of the government. Eighty per cent of the income went to local communities and the rest 20% to the government. The 80% income generated through the hunting trophy scheme went to fund the setting up of handcrafts centres and to create other job opportunities in villages. The government also carried out welfare schemes in rural areas using this revenue.

Markhors are killed for their meat and for their use in preparing traditional medicines. They are hunted for food as one markhor gives around 110 kg meat and their skin fetches handsome prices. The animal’s long horns, which grow to 65 inches, are also valued. The government should revive its efforts to motivate the wildlife department staff and local communities for preservation of the threatened species. Besides the animal’s economic utility, protection of markhor is necessary to maintain biodiversity.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 31^st, 2021.

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