Today, Pakistan proudly celebrated the inaugural ‘International Day of the Markhor,’ following its recent proclamation by the United Nations. This historic occasion, recognized on May 24, underscores the imperative of conserving the magnificent markhor species and its natural habitat.
The decision to designate this day was solidified on May 2, with Pakistan and eight other nations sponsoring the resolution, signaling a unified global commitment to safeguarding this iconic species. The establishment of the International Day of the Markhor serves as a clarion call for intensified conservation efforts worldwide and underscores the necessity of ongoing international collaboration to preserve the markhor’s existence.
Mohamed Yahya, the UN Resident Coordinator in Pakistan, lauded the markhor as not only a national treasure but also a global one. He emphasized the pivotal role of markhors within ecosystems, catalyzing economic growth and sustainable tourism initiatives.
Yahya’s sentiments echoed the ethos of Pakistan’s ‘Living Indus’ environmental initiative, recently hailed as a “World Restoration Flagship” project by the UN. This initiative aligns with broader conservation goals and underscores Pakistan’s commitment to environmental stewardship.
The markhor, characterized by its spiral-shaped horns and adept climbing abilities, occupies a crucial niche within its ecosystem. However, its global population stands at less than 6,000 mature individuals, facing threats such as habitat loss, illegal hunting, and climate change.
Despite these challenges, Pakistan has witnessed a notable uptick in markhor numbers over the past decade, with population estimates ranging from 3,500 to 5,000, attributable to concerted conservation efforts and community engagement.
As the world rallies behind the markhor, today’s commemoration marks a significant milestone in the ongoing battle to preserve biodiversity and safeguard the planet’s natural heritage for generations to come.
[Related: Trophy hunting: Markhor permit auctioned for record Rs27 million, Season’s first victim Markhor hunted by American for Rs23.5m, Woman killed in bear attack in KP’s Mansehra]
