Pakistan's national mammal, the markhor, seems to have escaped extinction

Jul 5, 2012 07:29 GMT  ·  By

Unlike your typical farm goats, the markhor is quite an impressive wild animal, mainly because of its size and its horns, which are surprisingly similar to coiling snakes.

Unfortunately, this species almost went extinct at one point in history: in 1991, only 40 to 50 individuals were believed to still be living in northern Pakistan, and the headcount for all other parts of the country amounted to only 1,000.

However, all those who have a passion for wildlife and conservation programs will be glad to hear that, as of recently, the markhor population has been steadily, yet surely, increasing.

Although the species is still considered to be an endangered one, it seems that, in time, more and more such goats will be roaming Pakistan's landscapes as part and parcel of this country's natural heritage.