American Hunter Bags Record-Breaking Markhor in Chitral with Historic Bid

Islamabad, Dec 9: An American hunter, Ronald Joe Whitton, has hunted the first markhor of the season in Chitral, setting a new record by bidding the highest amount in Pakistan’s hunting history.

Historic Bid and Hunt:

• Whitton paid $271,000 for the hunting permit, marking the highest bid ever recorded in the country.
• The hunt took place in the Thoshi Shasha Conservancy under the supervision of wildlife officials.
• The markhor, aged 11 years, had impressive 49.5-inch-long horns.

Details About the Markhor:

• Native to South Asia and Central Asia, the markhor is listed as Near Threatened by the IUCN since 2015.
• Known as the screw-horned goat in Pakistan, its name “markhor” originates from Pashto and Persian, meaning “snake-eater.”
• The twisting shape of its horns led to ancient beliefs that it could kill and consume snakes.

Conservation Efforts:

• The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Wildlife Department sold four hunting permits for the Thoshi conservancies this season at record-breaking prices.
• The funds generated contribute to conservation efforts for the markhor population.

International Recognition:
On May 2, 2024, the United Nations General Assembly declared May 24 as the International Day of the Markhor, underscoring the importance of preserving this iconic species.