Markhor

About Markhor:

• It is a large wild goat of the family Bovidae (order Artiodactyla).
• It is known for its thick fur,flowing beard, and corkscrew horns.
• It is a diurnal animal and is mainly active in the early morning and late afternoon. 
• Distribution:
  • It is found 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, the Banihal pass and the Shamsbari area of the Kazinag Uri and Pir Panjal range in Poonch.
• The markhor is the national animal of Pakistan, where it is also known as the screw-horn or screw-horned goat.
• Conservation status:
  • IUCN: ‘Near Threatened’
  • Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I
  • CITES: Appendix I 

Q1: What is CITES?

CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) is an international agreement between governments. It aims to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten the survival of the species. Although CITES is legally binding on the Parties – in other words, they have to implement the Convention – it does not take the place of national laws.
Source: In Rare Appearance, Markhor Spotted In North Kashmir’s Baramulla