Islamabad, Today, Pakistan celebrates the first ‘International Day of the Markhor,’ honoring its national animal and highlighting the species’ ecological importance. This special day was officially proclaimed by the United Nations on May 2nd, following a resolution sponsored by Pakistan and eight other countries, emphasizing the need to preserve the Markhor and its habitat.

According to United Nations Pakistan, the resolution acknowledges the Markhor, which was categorized as “near threatened” in 2014, as not only a national symbol of Pakistan but also a vital part of the global ecosystem. Mr. Mohamed Yahya, the UN Resident Coordinator in Pakistan, praised the Markhor’s significant ecological and economic roles. He linked its conservation to potential benefits such as bolstering the economy and promoting sustainable tourism, which aligns with the Government’s ‘Living Indus’ initiative.

Over the past decade, Pakistan’s targeted conservation efforts and community engagement have helped increase the Markhor population to between 3,500 and 5,000. However, the global population remains under 6,000 mature individuals due to habitat loss, illegal hunting, and climate change.

The ‘International Day of the Markhor’ invites global participation in celebrating and conserving this unique species, known for its distinctive corkscrew-shaped horns and ability to navigate steep mountain terrains. This observance also supports the broader ‘Living Indus’ initiative, recognized by the UN Environment Programme as a ‘World Restoration Flagship’ project, focusing on environmental protection and restoration in the region.