Markhor Capra falconeri

This magnificent animal described as the king of the wild goats is found in Kargil district of Ladakh and also in Baltistan. The Markhor is a thick set goat measuring from 90 to 100 cm and weighs about 90 to 100 Kgs. The male carries a fine, flowing beard usually black under his chin. This extent in the case of older bucks upto the throat and chest and from thence to the ears and the nape of the neck.

The beard in the old bucks is sometime white. The hair on the body is elongated and of a light yellowish or grey shade and at times white or reddish browns. The Markors do not grow an under fleece in winter. That obviously is why the animal has been provided with long silky hairs. The horns of the Markhor are spiraled measuring about 45 inches though some of 55 inches have also been reported. The horn rise up to form a V and are black in color The Markhor like the Ibex frequent extremely difficult ground especially in summer when the snow on the mountains is very high. They are very cautious and move about only in mornings and evenings. During daytime they remain in inaccessible spots on the mountains whence they come down about sunset to lower altitudes where grass is more plentiful and water available. In the morning they graze their way up again to their day time resort. While the others sleep or rest, one of the herd keeps watch on the mountainside below. Ready to gave an alarm at the first appearance of danger. Consequently they are most difficult to approach, and even if one succeeded in getting to the places occupied by them, there keen sight and quick speed would enable them to make good escape. The Markors cannot stand the snow. They have therefore to come down to low grounds during winter and summer rainstorms. During the mating period the Markhor also indulge in ramming bouts to win the female.
A curious thing about the Markhor is that the males and the females remain aloof accept for a few weeks in winter when it is their mating season. The Persian name Markhor or Snake eater by which the animal is known elsewhere is rather strange, for there is no proof on record that the animals actually eat snake. But there is belief among the natives in Baltistan that the animal do so, may be as medicine. And while doing so the animal froths profusely at the mouth. There is a belief among the Dards that they hang Markhor skin in their houses believing that no snake would dare to enter their houses. But snakes are rare in these parts and the story about the Markhor eating snakes requires more substantial testimony. There is a reason why the Markhor is so called may be because of his spiraled snake like horns, Mar-Khar i.e. an ass with horns like a snake.

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