An American hunter has set a new record by paying over Rs. 75 million to hunt a Markhor, Pakistan’s national animal. This is the highest bid ever recorded in the country’s history for a hunting permit.
According to Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Wildlife Farooq Nabi, the hunter secured the permit for the first Markhor of the season by offering more than Rs. 7 million. The hunt resulted in a remarkable trophy, with the Markhor’s horns measuring over 49 inches, making it an exceptional specimen.
Wildlife authorities revealed that during an auction held in October this year, two hunting permits were sold for a record $271,000. These permits are part of Pakistan’s regulated trophy hunting program, which aims to balance conservation efforts with sustainable hunting practices.
The Markhor, often referred to as the “screw-horned goat,” holds significant ecological and cultural importance in Pakistan. In July 2024, Pakistan called on the international community to unite in efforts to conserve the species, which plays a vital role in the ecosystem.
“The Markhor holds great importance for Pakistan as it is our national animal,” said Ambassador Munir Akram, Pakistan’s permanent representative to the United Nations. Speaking at a side event focused on conservation strategies, he emphasized the need to safeguard this iconic species.
Pakistan’s trophy hunting program is designed to support wildlife conservation by allocating a significant portion of the funds generated from hunting permits to local communities and conservation initiatives. This approach has been credited with helping to stabilize and even increase the population of the Markhor in recent years.
