International Day of the Markhor Date in the current year: May 24, 2025

The markhor (Capra falconeri) is a large wild goat species found in Afghanistan, India, Pakistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan. Its name is thought to derive from a Persian phrase that roughly translates as “snake eater”, interpreted either as a reference to the goat’s reputed ability to kill snakes or as a nod to its corkscrew-shaped horns, which resemble coiled snakes. In Pakistan, where the markhor is the national animal, it is also known as the screw-horned goat.

Several subspecies of the markhor have been identified: the Astor markhor (flare-horned markhor), native to northern Pakistan and Kashmir; the Burakhan markhor (Tajik markhor), native to Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan; and the Kabul markhor, native to Afghanistan and Pakistan. Some scientists identify two other subspecies, the Kashmir markhor (Pir Panjal markhor) and the Sulaiman markhor (strait-horned markhor), but many do not consider them to be separate subspecies.

The markhor is both ecologically and economically important in the regions where it lives. Ecologically, it plays a crucial role as a herbivore, helping to regulate plant growth and maintain the balance of its ecosystem. Its presence supports the survival of key predators such as the Eurasian lynx, snow leopard, Himalayan wolf and brown bear, making it a vital part of the high-altitude food web. The health of markhor populations is also a strong indicator of overall ecosystem stability.

Economically, the markhor contributes through ecotourism and carefully regulated trophy hunting programs. In places like northern Pakistan, tourists and wildlife enthusiasts generate revenue by seeking opportunities to view this rare species in its natural habitat. In addition, community-based conservation initiatives allow for limited trophy hunting of older males, with a significant portion of the proceeds going to local communities. This approach creates a financial incentive for villagers to protect both the markhor and its environment. As a result, the species supports sustainable livelihoods and encourages responsible land use, combining conservation with economic benefits.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists the markhor as near threatened. The main threats to its survival are illegal hunting, including poaching, habitat fragmentation and loss, and climate change. Protecting the markhor and its natural habitat is not only an ecological necessity, but also a valuable opportunity to strengthen regional economies, support conservation initiatives, and promote sustainable tourism and development, all while improving the overall health of the ecosystem.

The UN General Assembly designated May 24 as the International Day of the Markhor in 2024. The main goals of this international day are to highlight the importance of the markhor to its ecosystem and local economy, to raise awareness of the major threats to the survival of the species, and to consolidate conservation efforts to preserve the markhor and its habitat.