Hotspot and distribution pattern of estimated population of Markhor in Pakistan
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.13786729%20Abstract
Pakistan host exceptional biodiversity and remarkable diversity of mammals with over 190 species. Markhor is recognized as wild goat and categorized under the order Artiodactyla, a family of Bovidae. Anyhow, It holds the status of Flagship specie as the National Mammal of Pakistan. Moreover, it is also declared as a threatened species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Hence, the aim of the study is estimate the population distribution with identification of hotspot areas for the existence of this species within distribution range in the country. The population of this specie was estimated through the line transects or strip census method. It is estimated that 2024 individuals are found in Gilgit Baltistan with population density of 0.875 per Km2. 214.65 individuals with population density of 1.1 animals per Km2 are found in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The highest population is estimated in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK). It is 6343.2 animals with population density of 2.4 animals per Km2. Meanwhile, 3922.5 heads are estimated in Baluchistan n with population density of 0.75 animals per Km2. Furthermore, hotspot analysis in GIS identified the areas of both high and low occurrence for the under investigation specie within the distribution range in Pakistan. Systematically collected geographical distribution data set and analysis revealed that Chitral in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is highly populated with flared horned markhor and Torgarh and Suleiman range is highly populated with strait horned Markhor. These are the hotspot areas for this magnificent wild species. However, the anthropogenic pressure like human wildlife conflict and competition for resources contribute to the complex challenges faced by this specie in this country. The cumulative impacts of these factors underscore the urgent need for comprehensive conservation efforts to safeguard the threatened specie in Pakistan.
References
Ahmad, S., Rehman, E. U., Ali, H., Din, N., Haider, J., Din, J. U., & Nawaz, M. A. (2022). Density Pattern of Flare-Horned Markhor (Capra falconeri) in Northern Pakistan. Sustainability, 14(15), 9567.
Ali, S. (2008). Conservation and status of markhor (capra falconeri) in the northen parts of north west frontier province, Pakistan.
Haider, J., Rakha, B. A., Anwar, M., Khan, M. Z., & Ali, H. (2021). An updated population status of Astor Markhor (Capra falconeri falconeri) in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. Global Ecology and Conservation, 27, e01555.
Iqbal, M. M., & Khan, A. M. (2010). Climate change threats to biodiversity in Pakistan. Islamabad: World Environment Day.
Ismail, I., Sohail, M., Gilani, H., Ali, A., Hussain, K., Hussain, K., Karky, B. S., Qamer, F. M., Qazi, W., & Ning, W. (2018). Forest inventory and analysis in Gilgit-Baltistan: A contribution towards developing a forest inventory for all Pakistan. International Journal of Climate Change Strategies and Management, 10(4), 616-631.
Jameel, M. A., Tabassum, S., Mehmood, S., Shah, T., Khan, M. F., Kabir, M., & Awan, M. N. (2019). Does Trophy Hunting of Kashmir Markhor Really Contributing in Its Conservation? International Journal of Conservation Science, 10(3), 525-532.
Kakakhel, S. F. B. (2020a). A review on Markhor (capra falconeri falconeri wagner 1839) population trends (2016-2019) and community-based conservation in Toshi Shasha, Gehrait Goleen, Kaigah Kohistan conservancies and Chitral Gol National Park, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. American Journal of Natural Sciences, 3(1), 1-18.
Kakakhel, S. F. B. (2020b). Socioeconomic Impacts of Markhor (Capra falconeri falconeri) Trophy Hunting in Toshi Shasha Conservancy District Chitral Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The International Journal of Science & Technoledge.
Khan, M., Siddiqui, P. A., Raza, A., & Zahler, P. (2018). Status of flare-horned markhor (Capra falconeri falconeri) in Jutial Conservancy, District Gilgit, Gilgit-Baltistan (previously northern areas), Pakistan. International Journal of Biology and Biotechnology, 15(2), 343-349.
Rehman, E., & Khattak, R. H. (2020). Trophy hunting impacts on Kashmir Markhor and changing the negative perception of local communities about wildlife in Chitral District, Pakistan. ZOO'S PRINT, 35(10), 12-14.
Roberts, T. J., & Bernhard. (1977). The mammals of Pakistan.
Rosser, A. M., Tareen, N., & Leader-Williams, N. (2012). The precautionary principle, uncertainty and trophy hunting: a review of the torghar population of central Asian markhor Capra falconeri. Biodiversity and the Precautionary Principle, 55-72.
Schaller, G. B. (1976). Mountain mammals in Pakistan. Oryx, 13(4), 351-356.
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
Categories
License
Copyright (c) 2024 Scientific Reports in Life Sciences
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.