Population dynamics and conservation of Suleiman Markhor Capra falconeri jerdoni in Suleiman Mountain Range, Pakistan
Paper Details
Population dynamics and conservation of Suleiman Markhor Capra falconeri jerdoni in Suleiman Mountain Range, Pakistan
Abstract
Suleiman Markhor Capra falconeri jerdoni is an endangered wild goat according to the IUCN Redlist, 2012. Little information on its existing population and its dynamics is known in the eastern Pakistan–Suleiman Mountain Range in particular– since 1996. Suleiman Mountain Range, an extension of Hindukush Range, hosts the population of Suleiman Markhor. We studied the current status of Suleiman Markhor in the Suleiman Mountain range covering an area of 260 Km². Vintage point count surveys were conducted during rut and lambing, 2011 seasons. We also studied the effect of aspect, slope and elevation (6000 to 9,000 & above) on the occurrence of Markhor. The present study resulted in the finding that the number of markhors, based on actual sighting, has declined significantly as compare to those reported in 1996 by WWF-Pakistan. Anthropogenic activities like hunting; poaching; competition of livestock for grazing and forest depletion were the major causes for brining the markhors’ population near the verge of extinction. A community-based action plan has been suggested for the conservation of this precious resource and its allied biodiversity.
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