The markhor (or Capra falconeri) is a large goat from Central Asia, which is also sometimes called the screw-horned goat. They are stocky creatures with sturdy, barrel-shaped bodies. Their cloven hooves allow them to climb steep mountains and cliffs. They are covered in thick fur, which is grey-brown for males and a lighter, richer brown in females. A primitive black stripe follows the spine, and legs and face have dark markings. Males have a long, shaggy beard along the entire length of the neck. Both sexes carry thick, curled horns, which are significantly longer in males. Males are also larger and heavier than females, at a shoulder height of 0.95m to 1.15m and weight of up to 110kg, compared to the female's shoulder height of 75cm to 90cm and weight of about 40kg.
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Capra falconeri
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markhor
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Animal Facts
The markhor is the national animal of Pakistan.
The markhor is the largest of the wild goat species, though some ibexes are heavier.
Three subspecies of markhor exist, geographically and physically distinct, based on the shape of their horns.
The word 'markhor' stems from Persian and other Iranian languages, and means 'snake-eater' due to the belief that these goats prey on and consume snakes.
While chewing the cud, markhor produce foamy saliva that is, in its dried form, collected by locals. Due to the belief of markhor eating snakes, it is thought this substance helps in curing poisonous snake bites.
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