Kashmir Markhor | Online Record Book Preview

Capra falconeri cashmiriensis

Markor de Cachemire (Sp), Kaschmir Schraubenzeige (G), Markhor de Cachemire (F). Also called Pir Panjal markhor (after the Pir Panjal Range of Kashmir) or Kashmir flare-horned markhor.

DESCRIPTION (male) Shoulder height up to 40 inches (102 cm). Weight as much as 225 pounds (102 kg).

A large markhor with massive horns that usually are the longest of the species. The coat and ruff are similar to those of the Astor race. Typically, Kashmir markhor horns have slight to moderate flare with 2-3 spiral twists. Most horns within its distribution range are of this type; however, straighter horns of the Kabul type have occurred in the Chitral District. According to Stockley, the record head measured 65-3/4 inches (167 cm) around the spiral along the keel that begins at the back of the base (which is the SCI method). It came from Mozi Nullah in the Kaj-i-Nag range in India in 1924. The Rowland Ward record is 65 inches (165.1 cm) from the Kafr Nullah in Kashmir in 1927. Females have slim horns up to 14 inches (36 cm) long that usually have 1-1/4 twists and tips that diverge outward.

DISTRIBUTION Afghanistan: Laghman Province and the Bashgul River area. Pakistan: Chitral District, along the Kunar River from Shogore to Arandu on the west bank and to Drosh on the east bank, and up its tributary the Mastuj River as far as Barenis; Dir District, along the upper Panjkora River; and Swat District on the cliffs east of Mankial. India: The Shamsberi, Kaj-i-Nag, and Pir Panjal ranges.

STATUS Listed as endangered by the IUCN and on Appendix I of CITES (1975).