A Russian hunter, Alexey Kim, has set a new record by hunting a 14-year-old Kashmir Markhor with 55-inch horns in the Singoor Doke area near Chitral Gol National Park (CGNP). This marks the largest recorded trophy hunt for the species, surpassing the previous record of 53 inches and 10 years of age. This was the fourth and final trophy hunt of the season, for which Alexey Kim paid $71,000 (Rs. 19.86 million). The hunt was conducted with the assistance of CGNP staff and local community members, who helped track the Markhor.

According to Rizwanullah Yousufzai, Divisional Forest Officer of CGNP Wildlife Division, the hunt is a testament to successful conservation efforts that have significantly increased the population of the Kashmir Markhor, a species once considered endangered.

Wildlife officials credit controlled trophy hunts as a key component of sustainable conservation strategies. These hunts not only protect the species but also generate significant revenue, which is reinvested into wildlife preservation and local development projects.

The collaboration between the government and local communities has been instrumental in the recovery of the Kashmir Markhor population. The revenue from such hunts directly benefits conservation efforts and supports community welfare initiatives, ensuring a balance between species protection and economic development.