What kind of animal is a markhor? We will explain its characteristics, ecology, and habitat. This animal is unique because it has very special horns that can only be found in the Middle East. Unfortunately, it is one of the animals that needs protection as it is designated as an endangered species.
What is markhor? About basic status
The markhor is an artiodactyl animal that belongs to the family Bovidae and belongs to the genus Caprine. The scientific name is Capra falconeri. The body length is 130-180cm and the weight is 50-110kg. There is a difference between males and females, with males being larger. Tail length 8-14cm, shoulder height 65-105cm.
| Japanese（和名） | マーコール |
| English（英名） | Markhor |
| scientific name(学名) | Capra falconeri |
| classification（分類） | Mammalia、 Artiodactyla、Bovidae、Capra 哺乳綱、ウシ目、ウシ科、ヤギ属 |
| IUCN Status(保全状況) | NEAR THREATENED |
| Length（体長） | 130-180cm |
| Weight（体重） | 50-110kg |
About classification
Markhor has the following subspecies: They live in groups and move around in mountainous areas. It is characterized by large horns. It is distributed mainly in the Middle East. It has the largest body size among wild goats and is considered to be one of the ancestors of domestic goats.
| Name 名前 | Scientific Name 学名 |
| Astor markhor | Capra falconeri |
| Bukharan markhor | Capra falconeri heptneri |
| Kabul markhor | Capra falconeri megaceros |
| Kashmir markhor | Capra falconeri cashmiriensis |
| Sulaiman markhor | Capra falconeri jerdoni |
Capra falconeri
It is called Aster Markhor or Flarehorn Markhor. It is found in Kashmir and Pakistan and is listed as a near-threatened species.
Capra falconeri heptneri
It is called Bukhara Markor or Tajik Markor. This species lives in Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, and is also designated as a near-threatened species.
Capra falconeri megaceros
It is called Kabul Markhor. This species is distributed in Afghanistan and Pakistan and is also listed as near-threatened.
Capra falconeri cashmiriensis
It is called Kashmiri Markhor, Pir Panjal Markhor, or Flarehorn Markhor. This species is distributed in India and Pakistan and is also designated as a near-threatened species.
Capra falconeri jerdoni
It is called Sulaiman Markhor. The horns are straight and the ridges go around the horns three times, and this species is also designated as a near-threatened species.
Where is the habitat?
Markhor is distributed in Afghanistan, Iran, India, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Pakistan.
① Geographic Distribution
Markhors live in the following countries:
Pakistan (largest habitat)
Afghanistan
India (Kashmir region)
Tajikistan
Uzbekistan
Turkmenistan (very few)
👉 The Himalayas, Hindu Kush, and Pamir Mountains.
② Preferred Environment Characteristics
Markhors have common characteristics in the environments they choose.
Steep rocky areas and cliffs
Shrub forests (such as juniper forests)
Places with little human access
Terrain with good views and many escape routes
👉 A “three-dimensional landscape” that makes it easy to escape predators is essential.
③ Seasonal Migration
Summer: Move to higher altitudes (cooler, more vegetated)
Winter: Descend to lower altitudes (avoiding snow)
👉 Vertical migration, mountainous animals.
④ Why do they live in these places?
To escape wolves and snow leopards
To avoid human hunting pressure
High mobility on rocky terrain
👉 Rocky mountains are markhor’s “fortresses.”
⑤ Current status and issues of their habitat
Habitat fragmentation (roads and development)
Poaching
Food competition with livestock
*Recent conservation efforts have led to a recovery in some areas.
feature is? What kind of creature is it?
Markhors are covered with dark fur and have very distinctive horns. The horns are twisted in a spiral, and the number of rotations varies depending on the subspecies. The length between the tips of the corners tends to be longer than the straight distance between the corners. Markhors are adapted to mountainous terrain and live in areas between 600 and 3,600 meters above sea level. They are diurnal and are mainly active in the early morning and evening.
① The world’s most famous “twisted horns”
Males’ horns twist in a spiral pattern
They can grow to over 1.5 meters in length
Females also have horns, but they are short and thin
👉 Their appearance is strikingly unique among mountain goats.
② Body Size and Appearance
Body Length: Approximately 130-170 cm
Weight: Males 80-110 kg / Females 40-60 kg
Body Type: Slender but muscular
Coat Color: Grayish-brown to Brown
Winter Coat: Long feathers on the neck and chest (especially males)
👉 Their majestic “king of the mountains” presence.
③ Masters of Rock Climbing
They can climb cliffs that appear nearly vertical.
Stable even on small footholds.
Exceptional jumping ability and balance.
👉 Their climbing ability is unmatched among goats.
④ Herbivorous, but with a wide range of dietary habits.
Grass
Shrub leaves
Twigs and bark
Changes diet with the seasons
👉 Diet adapted to harsh environments.
What kind of creature is it (personality/atmosphere)?
① Highly cautious
Early sensitive to human presence
Disappears before being spotted
Constantly monitors surroundings from high places
👉 “Unapproachable wilderness.”
② Quiet and solitary
Usually lives in small groups
Often acts alone
Avoids unnecessary conflicts
👉 Mountain hermit type.
③ Only violent during breeding season
Males clash with each other with their horns
A dramatic showdown of strength
A stark contrast to their usual calmness
④ Intelligent and cautious
Chooses safe routes
Memorizes dangerous areas
Does not take unreasonable actions
What does the ecology look like?
Markhor eats grass. Breeding occurs in the winter, when males fight each other to capture females by lunging at each other, grabbing their horns, and trying to throw them off balance. She has a gestation period of 135 to 170 days and can give birth to one or two calves. Their lifespan in the wild is about 11 to 13 years.
■ Basic Information
Classification: Mammal, Bovidae, Capricorn
Living Environment: Mountains and Rocky Mountains
Activity Period: Crepuscular (active in the morning and evening)
Lifespan: Approximately 10-13 years in the wild
Diet: Herbivorous
① Daily Rhythm
Morning and Evening
Peak Feeding Period
Eats grass, leaves, and shrubs
Activates on relatively low slopes
Daytime
Rests to avoid heat and predators
Ruminates in the shade of rocks or at high altitudes
Night
Rests at safe, elevated altitudes
👉 Lifestyle designed to avoid heat and predators
② Movement and Behavior
Highly efficient climbing ability
Moves freely on steep slopes and cliffs
Retreats to higher ground when danger is detected
Vertical movement varies seasonally
③ Diet (What do they eat?)
Diet changes with the seasons
Spring/Summer: Grasses, young leaves, flowers
Autumn/Winter: Shrub leaves, branches, and bark
👉 Flexibility to survive harsh winters
④ Social Structure
Usually small herds
Females + offspring
Horses of young individuals
Mature males tend to be solitary
👉 Herd size varies depending on the situation.
⑤ Breeding Biology
Breeding Season
Autumn to early winter
Male Behavior
Horn-clashing fights
Competition for females
Birth
Spring to early summer
Gives birth to 1-2 offspring
Raising
Offspring can walk quickly
Follow their mothers on steep slopes
Are there any natural enemies?
The Eurasian lynx, snow leopard, Himalayan wolf, and brown bear are the main predators of the markhor. They may also be preyed upon by eagles and other animals. Markhors have sharp eyesight and a strong sense of smell to detect nearby predators, so they can detect them in advance and flee.
About Markhor Cubby Animals
Markhor cubs may look adorable, but they’re “ready to fight” from the moment they’re born, adapting to the harsh mountain environment.
This article focuses on growth, behavior, and parent-child relationships.
Basics about Markhor Cubby Animals
Birthing Season: Spring to Early Summer (April to June)
Litter Size: 1 (Rarely 2)
Birth Weight: Approximately 2.5-3.5 kg
Birth Location: Hidden Rocky Areas or Cliff Shelves
Characteristics Immediately After Birth
① Incredible Athletic Ability
Standing within a few hours of birth
Walking and Jumping within a Day
Climbing Steep Slopes Within a Day
👉 Evolution Doesn’t Wait Due to the Predators.
② Appearance
Light brown coat
Small body with long legs
Horns are absent at birth, with small protrusions emerging a few months later
Nursing and Diet
Nursing period: Approximately 4-6 months
Begins nibbling on grass at 2-3 weeks of age
Even after weaning, young continue to learn their mother’s behavior
👉 “Copying” their mother’s behavior is important.
Mother-child relationship
Very close
Mothers are always aware of their young’s location
In times of danger, they guide their young to higher ground
They forage, move, and rest together
👉 Raising young is entirely one-on-one.
Are markhors an endangered species
Unfortunately, the markhor is designated as an endangered species, and its population is decreasing dramatically due to the following reasons. The estimated population in 2013 was approximately 5,800.
hunting meat
Hunting for meat and horns stands out as the most important factor threatening the survival of markhor populations. As a result, isolated populations tend to become extinct. However, due to the following factors, the number of illegal cross-border hunters appears to be drastically decreasing.
Measures taken by the Pakistani government
Measures are also being taken to combat these illegal hunting practices. In order to preserve this species, Pakistan has banned hunting. Two reservations were established in Tajikistan in 1973 to protect the markhor. In India, markhors are fully protected under the Jammu and Kashmir Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1978.
Can markhors be kept?
The markhor is designated as an endangered species. It is extremely difficult for ordinary people to keep them.
① Legally almost impossible
IUCN Red List: Vulnerable
Captivity, trade, and private captivity are prohibited in many countries.
Listed under Appendix I of CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora).
👉 International trade is generally prohibited.
② Extremely unique environmental requirements.
Vast mountainous and rocky terrain.
Varied terrain.
Dry climate.
Quiet environment.
👉 Extremely stressful in enclosures on flat ground.
③ Low stress tolerance.
Highly cautious.
Not accustomed to people.
Prone to panic and injury.
👉 Frequent accidents in captivity.
④ Virtually no record of captivity.
Very few examples exhibited worldwide.
Successful breeding is extremely rare.
Most are kept solely for conservation and research purposes.
Are there any exceptions?
National conservation facilities in the country of origin
International conservation breeding programs
Strict government permits are required
👉 Only for species conservation purposes, not for “exhibition purposes.”
コメント