Population Status of Markhor (Capra falconeri cashmiriensis) in Kunsher, Palas valley, Pakistan

There were strong reports about the existence of markhor in the Kunsher area of Palas valley. Field visits were thus conducted in three consecutive years from 2006 to 2008 to assess the population of the animal. The population was assessed by establishing three vantage points for direct counts of the animal. The population was revealed as 10, 5 and 4 respectively for the years 2006, 2007 and 2008, with a decreasing trend, attributed to habitat fragmentation, population expansion and poaching. Thus, it has been recommended to conduct habitat assessment studies, awareness raising campaigns and prevention of poaching for the long term survival and improvement of markhor's numbers in that area.