ON TRAILS OF MAJESTIC MARKHOR OF BURJKOT

By- Dr. C. M.Seth IFS (Rtd)

Markhor is an interesting animal, as it derives its local name from past practice of folklore linked with snake  or  snake-like. It always interested me as an animal, who believed to like to eat snakes. Whatever be the name or belief, but the very  first  look  of the animal clearly gives an impression that the horns are typically screwed in a snake like manner.

Corkscrew shaped horns of this animal makes a very good trophy for Shikaris and a prized possession of several royal and rich families in the world. But scientifically there is no report of any scientist who has seen the animal to eat snakes. My quest to find the truth behind the folklore attracts me to the mountains and particularly where the Markhor is reported to occur in good numbers in Kashmir valley.

Kashmir Mountains have a unique place in the world of hoofed animals , where a sizable population of flare horned Markhor still thrives in good numbers.
Markhor is endangered as per the IUCN Red list. Total world population is estimated to be about only 2500 and the number is decreasing at an alarming rate due to poaching, hunting and habitat loss. These animals belonging to the Bovidae family in most of their habitats have been pushed to the extremes. Detailed information with respect to Kashmir or Pirpanjal Markhor comes from Shikar map printed in Maharaja’s time prior to 1947.

Therefore, to study this elusive animal a project in the year 2004 was undertaken jointly by the J&K Wildlife Department with Wildlife Trust of India, Indian Army and Nature Conservation Foundation.One study, estimated the total  population of about 155 animals of mixed age groups in all surveyed areas of Kashmir valley. In the report it was reported that the animal is so elusive that not a single good photograph of Pir-Panjal or Kashmir Markhor is available from Kashmir valley.

The findings of the survey also established that a small population of about 50 animals in Hirpur Wildlife Sanctuary are struggling for their survival.  But  even after this survey J&K government allowed construction of Mughal Road through the sanctuary in spite of protests from several wildlife groups in the country. Rest of the population is distributed in Limber, Lachipura and Naganari rugged cliffs. There are reports from other adjoining areas but direct sightings have not been yet established.

After several  years, I was not only able to sight at least 50 animals of mixed age groups but also witnessed a rare sight of six old male bachelor’s groups near BurjKot at a height of about 10,000 feet with an average age of about 12 to 14 years. I was also successful in taking a few good photographs of the Pir Panjal Markhor, for the first  time  and fill up the gap of good visuals of the animal  required by the wildlife scientists and experts.During this study it was also established that the average size of Markhor herd varies from five to ten animals.

During the survey floristic preference of the animals was also studied. In the survey it was seen that this notified protected area is highly disturbed with presence of good population of Bakkarwal grazier flocks. They occupy good and gentle sloping green pastures from May to late October, push Markhor animals to extremes of stony, rugged, steep cliffs where no pasturage and water is available struggling for their survival.

These animals only get sufficient pasturage before the graziers reach the sanctuary and after they leave the sanctuary. Surveys established that the habitats of Markhor are highly threatened and degraded and the ultimate survivability of Markhor in Kashmir valley is in great danger. Conservation measures are required to save this majestic wild goat.

Markhor scientifically named as “Capra falconeri” has three sub – species viz; Straight Horned Sulaiman Markhor, Open flare Horned Pir Panjal Markhor and out flaring Astor Markhor. IUCN also accepts the three sub-species. From 17 th till 20 th century, several explorers, naturalists, zoologists, veterinarians and field biologists have studied and reported wild animals in the mountains of Kashmir Himalaya. But there is no species study so far.

Recently, good work has been done with respect to Hangul, the state animal of J&K state. In Ladakh, Dr. J.L. Fox, Dr. R.S. Chundawat, Dr. Yashvir Bhatnagar, Dr. Sathyakumar, and others have contributed to the knowledge of ungulates. Even eminent naturalists like Schaller, while writing his book on “Mountain Monarchs”; admitted that his present work on wild Sheep and goat species is only superficial. During  his study period he could only study Hangul in Dachigam sanctuary.