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 Chinese Traditional Medical Journal 

 

Conservation Strategies for Markhor in Jammu and Kashmir 

with special reference to Kaj – I – Nag National Park 

Wan Xiu, Chen Wenyan, Ji Yiguan 

 Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijin 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Introduction: 

The markhor (Capra falconeri falconeri) is 

one of the biggest and most majestic 

members of the Caprinae or goat family 

and is designated as Pakistan's official 

"National Animal." It features the family's 

most magnificent horns, with enormous, 

spiralling, twisting horns that are either 

straight or flaring in form, depending on 

the subspecies. Markhor are extraordinary 

climbers, effortlessly ascending rocks and 

even going into oak trees to munch on 

leaves. Among the threats include rising 

hunting pressure, greater competition from 

domestic goats and sheep, and disease 

outbreaks as a result of increased animal 

interaction. 

Regrettably, the markhor has been 

threatened with extinction across its 

territory, which is mostly contained inside 

Pakistan's boundaries. Markhor are vital to 

the ecosystem, both as a rare source of 

wild food for big animals like as wolves 

and snow leopards and as a cultural 

symbol both locally and regionally. The 

flare-horned markhor (C. f. falconeri) is a 

subspecies of markhor found in Pakistan's 

Gilgit-Baltistan Province. Despite being 

the most common and widespread of the 

three markhor subspecies, and despite 

international and national protection, flare-

horned markhor numbers declined by half 

between 1970 and 2000. The remaining 

populations were tiny, highly scattered, 

very vulnerable to poaching, and fast 

Abstract: 

The purpose of this study was to determine the dangers to Markhor in Kaj – I – Nag 

National Park, with a particular focus on determining the stresses and factors that 

contribute to Markhor's discomfort during their stay in the locations. Interactions with 

local residents, security authorities, and gujjars and bakarwals, shepherds grazing their 

sheep in protected regions, revealed the causes. A concerted effort was made to 

resolve the challenges confronting enforcement agencies charged with the 

conservation of the Markhor. Following thorough study, necessary suggestions were 

made. The relevant authorities may begin the suggestions to conserve this natural 

asset. 

 



CTMJ | traditionalmedicinejournals.com                                       Chinese Traditional Medicine Journal | 2021 | Vol4 |Issue5 
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diminishing. Peerzada et al. (2010) 

published an initial study titled Markhor in 

Kajinag National Park: Critical habitats 

and interactions with livestock, concluding 

that poaching poses a significant hazard to 

livestock. 

 

When GGT first published about the 

markhor in 2011, the world's population 

had been reduced to about 2,500 adults. In 

northern India's Jammu and Kashmir state, 

the figure was uncomfortably close to 400. 

Until 2015, the species was classified as 

Endangered. Fortunately, their numbers 

have begun to recover in recent years as a 

result of increased conservation efforts. 

The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 

now classifies the markhor as "near 

threatened," with a global population of 

fewer than 10,000. Humans are the 

markhor's primary predators owing to their 

desire for its magnificent horns. They are 

frequent victims of trophy hunting, a 

scourge that also affects cherished 

creatures like as elephants (whose ivory 

tusks are pursued) and rhinoceros (which 

are hunted for their horns). Although 

hunting the markhor is prohibited in 

Afghanistan and India, poaching and 

subsequent sale of their horns on the 

underground market continue. 

 

Markhors are likewise under danger of 

extinction as their favoured habitats 

dwindle. Since the 1980s, their home in 

Pakistan has seen a steady decline in forest 

cover due to a variety of factors, including 

logging for fuel and construction materials, 

coal mining, and domestic animal 

overgrazing. This has significantly reduced 

the markhor's grazing territory, making 

food supplies more rare. Historically, 

markhors were mostly hunted for their 

flesh. Goat meat is consumed in a number 

of places across southern Asia, and a 200-

pound wild goat may offer a significant 

amount of nutrition for those who lack 

easy access to other forms of meat. 

During the British occupation of India 

(which encompassed modern-day Pakistan 

at the time), hunters described the 

challenges associated with hunting the 

markhor. The animals' high elevation in 

the highlands west of Ladakh made 

following them difficult. And the perilous 

circumstances of the Northern Indian 

winter made hunting anything difficult, 

much alone a nimble goat proficient at 

concealment in the highlands. Nowadays, 

the whole markhor subspecies is protected 

by law. 

community-based conservation projects 

that are rigorously monitored. Poaching is 

nearly non-existent now that it is harshly 

punished. 

Materials & Methods: 

The dangers to the extinction of the 

Markhor were extensively analysed via 

contact with residents, security personnel, 

and Wildlife Department officials. The 

current study endeavour examined 

potential hazards and habitat degradation. 

The dangers were amalgamated, and 

amazing ideas for Markhor conservation 

measures were made, including habitat 

restoration, manpower engagement, 

decrease of human interference, 

enlargement of the protected area, and 

enhancement of Markhor's biological 

behaviour. 

Results 



CTMJ | traditionalmedicinejournals.com                                       Chinese Traditional Medicine Journal | 2021 | Vol4 |Issue5 
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Kaj-I-Nag is located on the north bank of 

the Jhelum, between two nations' LOCs 

(Lines of Control), namely India and 

Pakistan. Around 70 kilometres west of 

Srinagar, along the Jhelum River, sits this 

location. The Kaj – I – Nag range reaches 

an elevation of about 14000 feet above sea 

level. Kaj – I – Nag is made up of three 

protected areas together referred to as the 

Kaj – I – Nag range or block. 

01. The Limber Wild Animal Refuge 

02. Lachipora Wildlife Refuge 

03. The Naganari Protected Area 

The Kaj – I – Nag range in Jammu & 

Kashmir has been regarded as one of the 

ideal sites for Markhor (Ranjitsinh et al. 

2004). The location is located in the 

northern Baramulla District of the state's 

Kashmir region. The Markhor has 

identified a range of threats in Jammu and 

Kashmir that might jeopardise the 

markhor. The majority of these concerns 

stem from the LOC's closeness to war 

zones between India and Pakistan (Line of 

Control). Others are associated with the 

region's traditional hunting habits. The 

following details are provided: 

Poaching: By and large, sportsmen regard 

Markhor as the stalker's greatest prize. 

When properly mounted, with his long 

flowing beard and majestic spiral horns, he 

deserves to rank top as a trophy and as a 

stalker's accomplishment" (Burrard, 1925). 

For generations, poaching has been the 

primary danger to Markhor across its 

habitat. Lydekker (1898) already believed 

Markhor to be in immediate danger of 

extinction in the pir panjal because to 

excessive hunting. Shooting ethics were 

minimal, and amounted to nothing more 

than "shot what you can, where you can, 

and how you can." The Markhor suffered 

much and were almost annihilated. 

According to Burrard (1925), licences for 

shooting in Kaj-i-nag and Shamshabari 

were in high demand due to their 

reputation for producing exquisite heads. 

The majority of these regions were isolated 

and were shut off from the rest of the 

world throughout the winter owing to 

excessive snowfall. Locals used to ambush 

Markhor in the snow, capturing them and 

then slaughtering them for meat. Locally, 

markhor meat is considered to be the best 

wild meat. 

Grazing: The gujjars and bakerwals have a 

vast quantity of animals, which they rely 

on for survival. They usually travel to 

alpine and sub-alpine pasture during the 

summer months of June to September to 

take advantage of seasonal fluctuations in 

food availability in the Pir panjal range. 

Gujjars and their animals usually travel 

locally, while bakerwals from Ponch and 

Rajouri go to Kashmir with their livestock. 

Gujjars, bakerwals, and local shepherds 

build summer grazing campuses in a 

variety of locations inside or next to 

existing protected areas. Limber, 

Lachipora, Naganari, and Gulmerg-

Boniyar are largely grazing areas for 

indigenous people. There are a few reports 

of bakerwals accessing the limber Wildlife 

Sanctuary's higher reaches. Grazing looks 

to be severely curtailed in some places as a 

result of changing lifestyles and also 

owing to restricted access to certain 

pastures for security reasons. 

Deforestation, fuel wood extraction and 

collection of non- timber forest produce: 

The demand The demand for wood in 

Kashmir is quite strong due to its extensive 



CTMJ | traditionalmedicinejournals.com                                       Chinese Traditional Medicine Journal | 2021 | Vol4 |Issue5 
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usage in building. Deforestation occurs 

mostly in regions not under the 

supervision of the wildlife department, 

while herders may be responsible for some 

deforestation in protected areas for 

building and fuel. Throughout the course 

of the current investigation, trees were 

witnessed being chopped down by local 

residents inside the Lachipora Wildlife 

Sanctuary. Local residents, nomadic 

herders, and defence personnel collect 

wood mostly to cook and stay warm 

throughout the winter. Local residents 

enter protected areas in certain locations to 

obtain highly prized mushrooms (gucchi) 

and medicinal plants. 

 

Turmoil: Nilkant-poonch, Gulmerg-

Boniyar, Lachipora Wildlife Sanctuary, 

and Shamshabari are all located next to the 

LOC (Line of Control) and have 

historically been shelled. Thus, animals in 

close proximity to the LOC (Line of 

Control) would constantly be at risk of 

death or injury from shelling and cross-

firing. The barrier seems to have 

permanently split the Markhor 

communities. 

Lack of infrastructure: There is a 

widespread shortage of field personnel 

across the Markhor range, and those who 

are there are ill-equipped, generally 

inexperienced, and lacking in basic 

infrastructure for monitoring the region. 

Lack of control over some areas by the 

wildlife Department: The wildlife 

department's personnel has limited access 

to several sites for security concerns. 

Lack of awareness: Numerous 

stakeholders exist in the area, including 

indigenous peoples, migratory herds from 

elsewhere, the military forces, and 

personnel from different government 

departments. There is widespread 

misunderstanding of wildlife in general, 

and Markhor in particular, as well as its 

perilous condition among them. 

Disease transmission: There is a distinct 

probability that disease may move from 

cattle to Markhor. According to reports, 

diseases such as foot and mouth are 

prevalent in cattle and may spread to 

Markhor. Nawaz (2002) reported an 

epidemic of enterotoxaemia in domestic 

goats in Kaigah, a section of PoK, not far 

from the LOC (Line of Control). This 

infection might have extended to the 

Markhor as well. 

Recommendation 

Markhor's recurrence and dangers are 

unclear at the moment. On the basis of 

this, some preliminary but essential 

suggestions are made here to improve the 

species' conservation in Jammu & 

Kashmir. The following suggestions are 

based on the survey: 

• At the moment, the Hirpura WLS (Wild 

Life Sanctuary) and the Kaj-i-nag area 

have the highest chance of population 

recovery and serve as a potential'source 

population' for Markhor conservation and 

restocking across its range. Any 

conservation programme should prioritise 

key areas. 

• The Kaj-i-nag range is comprised of 

three continuous protected areas: 

Lachipora WLA (Wild Life Area) (about 

114 km2), Limber WLA (approximately 

44 km2), and Naganari Conservation Area 

(approximately 20 km2). The Lachipora 

WLS (Wild Life Sanctuary) is still in the 



CTMJ | traditionalmedicinejournals.com                                       Chinese Traditional Medicine Journal | 2021 | Vol4 |Issue5 
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Forest Department's authority, and the 

Wildlife Department plays no role in its 

management. It is critical that the 

designated protected area be transferred to 

the 

 

wildlife Department for future 

management. There is an immediate and 

critical need to combine the three protected 

areas into a single unit and to zone the 

region to include inviolate core zones. The 

three combined protected areas' limits 

should be expanded and revised to include 

both summer and winter habitats for 

markhor and other critically endangered 

species such as the western tragopan. The 

main inviolate region should be recognised 

as a national park, maybe as kaj-i-nag 

National Park. The adjacent lands with a 

resident human population or use might be 

declared as a wildlife sanctuary, acting as a 

buffer zone for the National Park. An 

endeavour should be made to precisely 

define the boundaries of both the proposed 

National Park and the nearby Sanctuary 

and to record them on the map. 

• All stakeholders, including indigenous 

peoples, gujjars, bakerwals, forest 

department personnel, other government 

employees, and the military forces, must 

be taught on conservation problems in 

general and markhor in particular. Well-

targeted programmes emphasising 

markhor as a distinctive piece of local 

history may assist in altering their 

attitudes. 

• The Wildlife Department, in general, and 

particularly in the Markhor districts, 

suffers a dearth of properly equipped and 

qualified personnel. Capacity development 

is required in the areas of law enforcement, 

wildlife monitoring, and management 

planning. The crew is in desperate need of 

high-altitude apparel and camping 

equipment. Monitoring cottages should be 

erected inside animal sanctuaries, at the 

very least in Limber and Hiripura, to 

promote frequent patrolling of the region. 

• A rescue and rehabilitation centre for 

animals rescued from unlawful custody or 

in wounded condition might be developed. 

Due to the fact that the majority of the Pir 

Panjal Markhor's distribution occurs near 

the border, there is a risk of injury from 

shelling. Additionally, the environment is 

quite rough, and during the winter, 

landslides may cause harm to the Markhor. 

A Markhor was said to have been stuck in 

LOC fence and perished, while a brown 

bear narrowly escaped. Additionally, a 

Markhor was said to have been killed by 

landslides. Due to the vulnerable condition 

of these damaged creatures, they may be 

saved and treated. A well-managed 

research institution is required to gradually 

build up such a population via rescued 

animals. This facility may be developed 

only in the kaj-i-nag region. This subject 

requires specific expertise and should be 

approached in the context of a long-term 

dialogue strategy for the species. 

Grazing by livestock should be strictly 

regulated in the Kaj-i-nag wildlife 

sanctuary. In the Kaj-i-nag wildlife 

sanctuary, summer grazing by migrant 

gujjars and bakerwals seems to have 

driven Markhor to a less-than-optimal 

location inside the protected area. This 

must be addressed immediately in order 

for Markhor populations to recover in the 

area. 

• A more in-depth study of the species' 

ecology is required. This stage will 



CTMJ | traditionalmedicinejournals.com                                       Chinese Traditional Medicine Journal | 2021 | Vol4 |Issue5 
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significantly aid in understanding 

population dynamics, unique habitat 

needs, and dietary preferences, as well as 

in identifying more prospective Markhor 

locations in Jammu and Kashmir for 

animal reintroduction (after negating the 

threats that caused its extinction). 

• Wildlife tourism has to be developed in 

order to give opportunities for observing 

markhor and other wildlife species. Limber 

WLS (Wild Life Sanctuary) and Hirpura 

WLS (Wild Life Sanctuary) need their 

own eco-tourism plans (Wild Life 

Sanctuary). This must be done in the 

interests of habitat protection and animal 

species conservation, particularly 

endangered species such as the Markhor. 

Table 1: Identification of species during survey 

 

 

S.No Common Name Scientific Name 
Distribution Total 

No. Max Min 

1 Markhor Capra falconeri 
Lachipora 

Limber 

Kaj-i-Nag 

Naganari 
10 

 

2 
 

Black Bear 
Selenoretos 

thidetanus 

Lachipora 

Limber 

 

Kaj-i-Nag 
 
× 

 
3 

 
Brown Bear 

 
Ursus arctos 

 
Kaj-i-Nag 

Lachipora 

Limber 

Naganari 

 

× 

 
4 

 
Hill Fox 

 
Vulpes Vulpes 

Lachipora 

Limber 

Kaj-i-Nag 

Naganari 

  
06 

 
5 

 
Muskdeer 

 
Moschus crysogater 

Limber 

Lachipora 

Naganari 

 
Kaj-i-Nag 

 
12 

 

References: 

[1] G. Burrard, Big Game Hunting in the 

Himalayas and Tibet, 1925. H. Jenkins, 

London. 

[2] R. Lydkker, Wild Oxen, Sheep, and 

Goats of All Lands (1898). Rowland 

Ward, London. 

 R. Nawaz, Kaigah Markhor survey report, 

WWF-Pakistan, 2002. 

[3] [1] Director: Riyaz Ahmed 

Peerzada, Yash Veer Bhatnagar, Charudutt 

Mishra, Pranav Trivedi, R. Raghunath, and 

Rahul Kaul (2010): Markhor's Status and 

Conservation in Jammu and Kashmir. 

Report on the Interim Project (2009-2010) 

Markhor in Kajinag National Park: Critical 

ecosystems and livestock interactions 



CTMJ | traditionalmedicinejournals.com                                       Chinese Traditional Medicine Journal | 2021 | Vol4 |Issue5 
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