High altitude wild animals at threat ?

High altitude environment of Himalayan region

By Dr Ramesh Behera
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          The high altitude environment has its own climatic complex of low atmospheric pressure,     atm ospheric cold, atmospheric aridity, light, snow cover, and also microclimate. The high-altitude areas pose threat to wildlife,threatened high-elevation mammal,  Multiple threats to Himalayan biodiversity, Other Threats and also feeling the impacts of climate change. High altitude environment of Himalayan region:- The Himalay, by prudence of its area and staggering level, goes about as an extraordinary climatic separation and manages meteorological circumstances in the subcontinent districts of South Asia. In any case, the related intricacies and their belongings are yet to be set out to figure out the meteorology of the Indian Himalayan District (IHR). In this audit volume, we combine the outcomes and derivations of a few examinations did in the IHR involving in situ information, somewhat detected information, and model-based meteorological perceptions. Results give experiences int
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Legal To Hunt Markhor/ #Markhor Smoked Meat

By Dr Ramesh Behera

  Family-Bovidae

Sp.-Capra falconeri,  

Altitude- 2200-4000 m    



Markhor1




Markhor, scientifically known as Capra falconeri, is a large species of wild goat native to the mountainous regions of Central Asia. The animal is famous for its distinctive twisted horns, which can grow up to three feet in length. Markhor's unique appearance, along with its elusive nature, makes it a highly sought-after trophy animal for trophy hunters. However, the species is also classified as an endangered species due to habitat loss, poaching, and other human activities.


Distribution and Habitat:


Markhor is found in the mountainous regions of Central Asia, including Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan. The animal prefers high-altitude regions above 3,000 meters and is commonly found in rugged terrain with rocky outcroppings, steep cliffs, and sparse vegetation. The Markhor's habitat range is limited and fragmented, with a population estimate of less than 10,000 individuals in the wild.

Distinctive Characters:

The Markhor is the most spectacular of all the Himalayan goats and is also rgarded as the "king of wild goats". It derives its Percian name (mar means snake and khor means eater) from the popular belief that it relishes snakes. The Markhor is a solitary and elusive animal that prefers to live in steep and rocky terrain. The animal's diet consists of various vegetation, including grasses, herbs, and shrubs. Markhor is well adapted to the harsh mountain environment, where it can survive extreme cold temperatures and scarcity of food and water. The animal is known for its distinctive long, spiral-shaped horns, which are used for territorial displays and for fighting with other males during mating season.

Breeding:


Markhor breeding season varies depending on the region, but it usually occurs between November and January. During this time, males engage in fierce battles for the right to mate with females. Once a male has secured a mate, the female will give birth to one or two offspring after a gestation period of around five months. Markhor young are born with a soft, woolly coat that helps them blend into their surroundings and stay warm in the cold mountain environment.



Conservation:


Markhor is classified as an endangered species due to habitat loss, poaching/ hunting, and other human activities. The animal's population has declined significantly over the past few decades, primarily due to illegal hunting for meat, horns, and other body parts. In recent years, several conservation programs have been initiated to protect the species, including habitat restoration, anti-poaching measures, and captive breeding programs. These efforts have helped stabilize the Markhor population in some regions, but more work is needed to ensure the species' long-term survival.

Important Notes:

  • Markhor was taken as national animal of Pakistan due to Its habitat covers Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, and Azad Kashmir , and  also known as the Screw horn or "screw-horned goat" .

  • The design has been present on the Pakistan International Airlines' flag since 2018.

  • In Afghanistan, there are puppet shows called buz-baz, where they use puppets that look like markhor, a type of wild goat.

  • The markhor benefits from genetic adaptations that result in wider hooves, which help the animal maintain balance while climbing and traversing steep and uneven terrain.
  • In name of markhor, Markhor Smoked Meat Resturant is functioning in Karachi.

conclusion:

In conclusion, Markhor is a fascinating animal that is highly adapted to the harsh mountain environment. Its distinctive appearance and elusive nature make it a highly sought-after trophy animal, but also one that requires urgent conservation efforts to ensure its survival. With the right measures in place, we can ensure that future generations can appreciate the beauty and uniqueness of the Markhor for years to come.

Please see artifial women

Being a veterinary doctor I have treated so many house keeping animals and birds in my life including wild animals and birds.

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