International Day of the Markhor

Current Context : The UN General Assembly proclaimed 24 May the International Day of the Markhor.

• This day is celebrated for the first time in 2024.
• A resolution was sponsored by the Pakistan and eight other countries to celebrate this day.
• Objective : to raise awareness and promote the conservation of the Markhor.
• It is an iconic and ecologically significant species native to the mountainous regions of Central and South Asia.

ABOUT MARKHOR

• The Markhor (Capra falconeri), also known as the “screw-horned goat,” is the national animal of Pakistan.
• It is a majestic wild goat known for its striking spiral-shaped horns which can grow up to 1.6 meters (5.2 feet) in length, making them the largest horns of any living caprid species.