Hotspot and distribution pattern of the estimated population of Markhor in Pakistan

Markhor is recognized as a wild goat and holds the status of Flagship species as the National Mammal of Pakistan. The study aims to estimate the population distribution with the identification of hotspot areas for the existence of this species within the distribution range in the country. 2024 individuals with population density of 0.875 per Km2, 214.65 individuals with population density of 1.1 animals per Km2, 6343.2 animals with population density of 2.4 animals per Km2, 3922.5 heads with population density of 0.75 animals per Km2 are found in Gilgit Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Baluchistan respectively through line transects or strip census method. Chitral in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa; Torgarh and Suleiman ranges in Baluchistan are the hotspot areas for the existence of this magnificent wild species. However, the cumulative impacts of the anthropogenic pressure and other factors underscore the urgent need for comprehensive conservation efforts to safeguard markhor in Pakistan.