Overview
The Kabul markhor is larger in horn and body and has a longer neck ruff than most Sulaiman markhors. Its horns are intermediate between those of the Kashmir and Sulaiman races, forming a cline from the moderate flare of the former to the straight, tight twist of the latter. Typically, Kabul horns are straight, with up to three complete spiral turns in an open twist; however, Kashmir-type horns with a degree of flare are occasionally found within its distribution range as well. In colonial times it was customary to measure these horns in a straight line; however, SCI measures them around the curve along the keel that begins at the back of the base.
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- Formerly from the vicinity of Kabul, Afghanistan, eastward to the Indus River south of Saidu, Pakistan, and southward in Pakistan to the Gumal River. Within this area the distribution was highly discontinuous, due partly to the erratic location of suitable cliffs and massifs and partly to local subsistence hunting and competition from domestic livestock. In 1978, it survived in Afghanistan only in the Kabul Gorge and the Kohi Safi area of Kapissa province, and in isolated pockets in between. As of 1987 in Pakistan, it was still found in the Safed Koh range, the areas near Mardan and Sheikh Buddin, and possibly between Pezu and the Gumal River.
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 IUCN.