A three-year-old young Astore Markhor, who fell from a cliff, was released into its habitat three days after it was rescued and after receiving full treatment for the injuries.
According to the Gilgit-Baltistan wildlife department, the markhor had fallen from a cliff in Jutial Nullah area three days ago. Locals had discovered the markhor and handed it over to the wildlife department, who shifted it to the veterinary hospital in Gilgit for treatment.
Doctors at the hospital said that the injured markhor received minor injuries in its legs and was suffering from fever. It received treatment for three days after which the doctors felt that it was well enough to be released into the wild.
However, the wildlife staff will keep an eye on the young goat till it rejoins its herd.
Pakistan’s national animal, markhor, is a large Capra species native to Central Asia, Karakoram and the Himalayas. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List, it is listed as a near-threatened species since 2015.
Its horns are a highly sought after trophy. On December 12, an Italian citizen hunted the first Markhor of the season. According to the Gilgit – Baltistan wildlife department, Carlo Pasco successfully hunted a markhor from the conservation area.
The hunter paid $85,000 as permit fee for hunting the rare wildlife species. The Wildlife department claims that 80% of the amount paid by hunters is given to the local community to invest in themselves and the conversation of these animals.
