Markhor sighted in AJK game reserve along LoC

Rare Markhor Sighting Confirmed in AJK Near Line of Control

Wildlife officials in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) have confirmed a rare and highly significant sighting of a Pir Panjal markhor inside the Qazinag Game Reserve, located near the Line of Control (LoC) in the Jhelum Valley district. The confirmation has renewed hopes for the survival of the endangered wild goat species in a region where its presence had long been debated but never visually documented.

The discovery was supported by a 37-second video recorded by game watcher Waqar Ayub Chughtai, which clearly shows the markhor cautiously walking across a grassy hillside before disappearing into steep and rugged terrain.

Video Evidence Strengthens Conservation Claims

For decades, local elders in the region have spoken of horned wild rams roaming the mountainous landscape. However, due to the lack of recording equipment in earlier years, these claims could not be verified. The newly captured footage now provides the first visual confirmation of the species in the area.

The video was later shared with senior wildlife officials in Muzaffarabad after the monitoring team reached a location with mobile network coverage. Wildlife authorities described the footage as credible and historically important for conservation records in AJK.

Tracking Efforts in Remote Terrain

Wildlife Team’s Two-Day Search

According to Mr. Chughtai, the sighting was the result of sustained monitoring efforts. On January 13, he and two colleagues camped inside the Qazinag Game Reserve to trace hoof marks of an animal initially believed to be a wild goat or another ungulate species.

For two consecutive days, the team followed the tracks, which repeatedly led into steep, inaccessible areas of the reserve. Despite the challenging terrain, the team continued its search, driven by the possibility of a rare discovery.

Breakthrough Moment

The breakthrough came on Thursday afternoon around 2pm when the team spotted the animal with the naked eye between compartments eight and ten of the reserve. Mr. Chughtai immediately recorded the video, capturing clear evidence of the animal’s distinctive spiral horns and movement patterns.

Markhor’s Behavior and Movement

During the sighting, the markhor was observed moving alongside a small flock of domestic goats. However, upon sensing possible human presence, the animal altered its route and retreated into the rugged terrain, demonstrating its natural caution and survival instincts.

Wildlife experts note that such behavior is typical of markhors, particularly in areas close to human activity or border regions.

Identification as Pir Panjal Markhor

Official Confirmation

Shaista Ali, a wildlife monitoring officer based in Muzaffarabad, confirmed that the animal captured in the video was a Pir Panjal markhor. This subspecies once thrived across the Pir Panjal mountain range but suffered sharp population declines over the years.

Causes of Population Decline

The decline of the markhor population has been largely attributed to unregulated hunting, habitat loss, and lack of effective conservation enforcement in earlier decades. The new sighting suggests that the species may still survive in isolated and protected pockets of the region.

Conservation Significance for AJK

Wildlife officials have described the sighting as a positive indicator of ecological resilience and the effectiveness of protected game reserves. The confirmation underscores the importance of continued monitoring, habitat protection, and strict enforcement against illegal hunting.

Authorities have reiterated their commitment to strengthening conservation efforts to ensure the long-term survival of endangered species like the markhor in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

International Media–Style Rewrite (Neutral & Global Tone)

Rare Markhor Spotted in Kashmir Region Near India-Pakistan Border

Wildlife authorities in Azad Jammu and Kashmir have confirmed a rare sighting of the endangered Pir Panjal markhor in a protected game reserve near the Line of Control, the de facto border between Pakistan- and India-administered Kashmir.

The sighting was documented through a short video recorded by a wildlife game watcher during a monitoring patrol in the Qazinag Game Reserve in the Jhelum Valley district. The footage shows the wild goat moving cautiously across mountainous terrain before retreating into steep hills.