US hunter pays Rs75 million to hunt Markhor in Pakistan

An American hunter has paid a colossal amount of Rs75 million to hunt a Markhor, Pakistan’s national animal in Chitral, reported 24NewsHD TV channel. 

According to reports, US national has offered the highest bid ever recorded in the country’s history. According to the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Wildlife, Farooq Nabi, the hunter acquired the permit for the first Markhor of the season by offering over Rs7 million. 

Farooq explained that US hunter successfully hunted a Markhor with horns measuring over 49 inches, showcasing the trophy’s exceptional size. Wildlife official claimed that during the auction held in October 2024, two prints were sold for a record $271,000. Back in July 2024, Pakistan urged the world community to support its collaborative efforts for the conservation of the Markhor, given its role in the overall ecosystem.

While Markhors’ population is declining globally, with less than 6,000 mature individuals left, however, their numbers in Pakistan have been increasing for the past ten years, reaching between 3,500 and 5,000 due to government’s proactive conservation programmes and community engagement.