ISLAMABAD - Pakistan Post in collaboration with WWF-Pakistan issued stamps showcasing Kashmir markhor to conserve and protect the markhor population and their habitats in the country. These stamps were released during the launching ceremony organized at the Pakistan Academy of Sciences building here on Friday, a news release said. According to experts, the Kashmir markhor in this region faces threats that jeopardize its survival.
The major threats to the markhor population include habitat loss, agricultural expansion, illegal hunting, climate change, and infrastructure development. These threats have led to a drastic decline in Markhor population across its habitat range. Considering multiple challenges to the markhor population, experts call for comprehensive conservation efforts to protect and preserve this iconic species.
The markhor declared the national animal of Pakistan is a large wild goat species native to South Asia and Central Asia, mainly existing in Pakistan, India, the Karakoram range, parts of Afghanistan, and the Himalayas. Since 2015, It has been classified as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List. Often based on their horn configuration, markhor has been divided into five sub-species namely Astor markhor, Bukharan markhor, Kabul markhor, Kashmir markhor, and Suleiman markhor.
Speaking on the occasion, Hammad Naqi Khan, Director General, WWF-Pakistan said that this postage stamp not only celebrated the existence of Kashmir markhor but also highlighted the need.
