Markhor: Preserve world’s largest goat in J&K
Known for its thick fur, flowing beard and corkscrew horns, Markhor, the largest wild goat in world, is battling for survival in Jammu and Kashmir.
The highly endangered Markhor has a limited geographical distribution in the moist to semi-arid mountain tracts of Pakistan, India, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and Tajikistan. In J&K, Markhor’s population is found in Shopian, Banihal pass to Shamsbari area of the Kazinag Uri and Pir Panjal range in Poonch. Its population has been affected mostly by unabated human intervention and biotic factors.
Construction of Mughal Road severely disturbed habitat of Markhor. The road was constructed despite opposition from the Wildlife Department fragmenting its population.
The Wildlife Trust of India in collaboration with the Wildlife Department in 2004 has conducted a comprehensive study under flagship conservation action plan Markhor Recovery Program to formulate protection measures and track species' seasonal occurrence and habitat usage.
The Markhor conservation had received a major boost in 2009 when the Supreme Court directed the J&K Government to take measures for the species conservation.
On the recommendation of the Central Empowered Committee, the Supreme Court allowed construction of Mughal Road on the condition that five percent of the project cost will be given to the Wildlife Department for restoration of Markhor’s habitat.
As part of the conservation initiative Markhor Recovery Program, sanctuaries would be fenced off, the seasonal occurrence and habitat usage by Markhor would be studied and monitored, and degree of competition between livestock and Markhor in terms of use of space, habitat and forage studied. Besides, the Wildlife Department was tasked to make the migratory herders— Gujjars and Bakerwals, aware about the conservation measures.
Recently, the Minister for Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, asked the wildlife authorities to assess the impact of human activities and livestock grazing by non-traditional migratory herders on Markhor and its habitat.
The Minister, while travelling through Mughal road, had visited the Hirpora Wildlife Sanctuary in Shopian. He directed the officers of the Wildlife Department to aggressively undertake all possible measures for soil conservation, afforestation and other appropriate measures against wildlife crime to conserve and protect the fragile ecosystem inhabited by Markhor.
Scientifically known as Capra falconer, Markhor is fighting a battle for its survival in Kazinag National Park in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district and the Hirpora Wildlife Sanctuary in Shopian district in south Kashmir.
Considered to be the largest wild goat in the world, Markhor in India is found only in J&K. The species is enlisted in Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and categorised as ‘Near Threatened’ under the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. It is included in Schedule 1 of the Indian Wildlife Protection Act (1972) and the Jammu and Kashmir Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1978.
Environmentalists say that Markhor is threatened mainly due to the competition with livestock and disturbance of their habitat by fencing along the Line of Control (LoC).
In the Pir Panjal and Kazinag ranges, Markhor is an inhabitant of dense pine and birch forest, whose grassy glades form their grazing grounds. Its population is estimated to be around 300 in Kashmir.
The Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) has been making efforts under the Kashmir Markhor Recovery Project to improve the population status of the species. Presently the Wildlife Trust of India is protecting critical Markhor habitats, assessing the effects of anthropogenic pressure and reducing livestock grazing in its habitat.
Wildlife Trust of India has specially pointed out threats to Markhor including loss of habitat due to encroachment, illegal grazing inside Protected Areas linear infrastructure development, anthropogenic pressures, lack of manpower for protection, hunting for meat, and lack of stringent law enforcement.
Sustained efforts by the Wildlife Trust of India have enabled the declaration of a National Park exclusive for Markhors, besides extension of the Hirpora Wildlife Sanctuary and a declaration of the Tattakuti sanctuary for the species.
In recognition of the importance of Markhor, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed May 24 from this year as the International Day of the Markhor. The UNGA adopted a resolution to garner global support for preservation of Markhor.
“We invite all Member States, organisations of the United Nations system, namely the United Nations Environment Programme, other international and regional organizations, civil society, non-governmental organisations, individuals and other relevant stakeholders to observe the International Day of the Markhor, as appropriate.
We also invite all relevant stakeholders to give due consideration to enhancing international and regional cooperation in support of efforts to conserve the Markhor, given its role in the overall ecosystem,” the UNGA resolution states.
Markhor is considered to be an apt flagship species for catalysing conservation in these mountain tracks. The conservation of the species will also help in protection of the entire range of wildlife of the region that include Musk Deer and Brown Bear.
Like other wild animals, Markhor is also bearing the brunt of climate change in J&K. Scarce food resources propelled by prolonged dry spells are forcing Markhor to move close to human habitations.
There is a need to rope in global experts to help in increasing the Markhor population. Also locals, especially nomads need to be educated about the importance of Markhor. Let us join hands to provide a safe environment to Markhor by protecting its habitat. Let Markhor thrive and let our future generations be able to see the unique and magnificent animal.
Author is Executive Editor, Greater Kashmir
