Current SCI all time record: Score 115 3/8

Description: The name markhor is derived from the Persian mar, a snake, and khor, eating. This is a very peculiar name, as these goats are vegetarians. Different interpretations of the name vary from "snake-killer" (a feat which they have been known to do) to a reference to the corkscrewing horns, which are somewhat reminiscent of a snakes winding body.

The grizzled light brown to black coat is smooth and short in summer, growing longer and thicker in winter. Males have long hair on the chin, throat, chest, and shanks, while females have smaller fringes. The lower legs have a black and white pattern. The tightly curled, corkscrew-like horns are present in both sexes, starting close together at the head, but spreading towards the tips. In males, they can grow up to 160 cm / 64 inches long, and up to 25 cm / 10 inches in females.

Other Common Names: Tajik Markhor, Russian Markhor, Heptner Markhor

Size:

Range: Primarily Pakistan, but also in the high mountains of Afghanistan, India, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan; winter months.

Natural History: The markhor is mainly active in the early morning and late afternoon. During the spring and summer months it is a grazer, while in the winter it turns to browse for nourishment. Markhor often stand on their hind legs in order to reach high vegetation. Population densities in Pakistan range from 1-9 animals per square kilometer. During the rut males fight for breeding rights. These competitions involve lunging and locking the horns, followed by the combatants twisting and pushing in an attempt to make the other lose his balance. The markhor's alarm call resembles the nasal "a" popularized by the common domestic goat.

Hunting Characteristics: