Overview
A large markhor. This is the typical race from which the species was first described. The coat is long and coarse in winter, though with very little underwool, and is much shorter in summer. The male's ruff is long and flowing. Typically, the horns of the Astor markhor flare very widely just above the base and have one to 1-1/2 twists, with the first turn being very large. They are massive and spectacular, though usually not as long as those of the Kashmir markhor. Most horns within the distribution range of the Astor markhor are of this type; however, horns of the Kashmir type with less flare and more twists are also seen. Heads from Baltistan, for example, are of a type between the Astor and the Kashmir. The best horns of record were taken in Gilgit in 1907 and measured 60-3/4 inches (154.3 cm) (Rowland Ward). According to Stockley, this measurement was taken around the spiral along the keel that begins at the back of the base, which is the SCI method but is not the present Rowland Ward method. Females have small beards and slender horns up to 14 inches (36 cm) long that usually have 1-1/4 twists and tips that diverge outward.
Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Artiodactyla
- Family
- Bovidae
- Genus
- Capra
- Species
- Capra falconeri
Habitat
This markhor is not a high altitude animal because it generally avoids deep snow and the cold. They avoid the higher elevations inhabited by Himalayan ibex but remain close to precipitous mountain sides. Distribution- The Gilgit region of northern Pakistan on the slopes of Nanga Parbat and along the Indus River and its tributaries, among them the Gilgit, Astor and Hunza rivers. Along both banks of the Indus from Jalkot upstream to about Tungas near Skardu. Along the Gilgit as far upstream as Gakuch. Along the Astor as far as the Parashing Valley. Along the Hunza as far as Chalt.
Diet
Their diets shift seasonally; In the spring and summer periods they graze, but turn to browsing in winter, sometimes standing on their hind legs to reach high branches.
Behavior
The mating season occurs in winter, during which the males fight each other. The gestation period lasts 135 to 170 days, after which usually one or two offspring are born. The Markhor live in flocks, numbering usually close to ten animals, composed of adult females and their offspring. Adult males are largely solitary. Their alarm call closely resembles the bleating of domestic goats.
Hunting
As with other species in northern Pakistan, markhor hunts are held in several community controlled hunting areas (CHAs) where 80% of the license fee is turned over to the communities to ensure sustainability of conservation initiatives. Difficulty varies when hunting markhor, depending on terrain and weather. When these animals are on cliffsides or out of shooting range, hunters must be patient, as the markhor will frequent a water resource every other day. Most hunting is done on foot but some driving may be needed.
Conservation Status
Listed as Near Threatened by the IUCN.