M Zaheer Khan , Imtiaz Alam , Mehnaz Gul and Hameed Ahmed
Keywords: Caprinae, Markhor, population distribution, threats.
Abstract: Chitral Gol National park (N 33°34\\\\\\\'0.12\\\\\\\" and E 73°29\\\\\\\'59.99\\\\\\\") is known to support the world highest population of Markhor. The Markhor move to lower areas in the Park during winters to protect themselves from harsh climatic condition, easy access to food resources and for mating. The Markhors were monitored in Chitral Gol National Park in November and December 2017. As they reached to lower snow uncovered elevations, a complete survey was done within a single day on 21 December 2017 within the study area to record the population trend and distribution of Kashmir Markhor in the study area. A total of 2,057 Markhor distributed in 39 small ridges, clusters and narrow gorges were enlisted from 8 vantage points. The sex and age analysis showed that 39% were fawns/lambs, females comprised of 26%, while young males and trophy size males were 24% and 11%, respectively. Potential threats included disturbance due to dry fuel wood collection during breeding season and climate change. Future plans have been suggested for the conservation and protection of the Kashmir Markhor and other key fauna of the National Park.
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