Markhor

The markhor is a large Capra species native to Central Asia, the Karakoram, and the Himalayas. It is listed on the IUCN Red List as Near Threatened since 2015. The markhor is the national animal of Pakistan, where it is also known as the screw horn or screw-horned goat, mārkhor in Urdu from Classical Persian. Wolves, snow leopards, leopards, lynx, and humans; although rare, documentation exists of golden eagles preying upon young markhor. The markhor serves as an important food source for several large mountain mammals, including Himalayan lynx, snow leopards, wolves, and panthers. Markhor are herbivores, grazing in the summer and browsing in the winter. They often stand on their hind legs to eat leaves and shoots from trees. They forage 8-12 hours daily. Markhor aid in the dispersal of seeds of the wild grasses that compose their diet.

Scientific name: Capra falconeri

Trophic level: Herbivorous

Mass: 71 – 240 lbs (Adult)

Gestation period: 168 days

Length: 5.2 ft.

Higher classification: Goats

Family: Bovidae