News Context: With only 200–300 individuals remaining in the Kazinag Range, the Markhor is one of India's most endangered mammals.
- Species Profile: Known for its spectacular corkscrew horns, the Markhor (Capra falconeri) is the world's largest mountain goat.
- Habitat: Primarily found in the high-altitude scrub forests of Kazinag, Hirpora, and Lachipora wildlife sanctuaries in Jamm& Kashmir.
- Threats:
- Habitat Fragmentation: Border fencing along the LoC prevents seasonal migration.
- Competition: High-altitude grazing by domestic livestock (competition for food).
- Poaching: For its horns and meat.
- Conservation Status:
oIUCN: Near Threatened (globally), but critically endangered in the Indian context.
oWPA 1972: Schedule I (highest protection).
- Next Step: Integration of "Community-led Trophy Hunting" models (similar to Pakistan) has been debated but is legally restricted in India. Focus remains on habitat restoration.
IAS-2026 - OPTIONAL / GEOGRAPHY / PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION / SOCIOLOGY / ANTHROPOLOGY / ORIENTATION ON 03 & 04-10-2025 
