The wildlife department in the northernmost territory of the country has conducted a record-breaking auction for hunting permits of Astor Markhors under the trophy scheme. According to reports from local media, authorities have sold a permit for trophy hunting of markhor, a wild goat native to the high-altitude monsoon forests of central Asia, for an impressive sum of over $186,000 (equivalent to 5 crores and 17 lacs in the local currency).
The issuance of hunting permits occurs annually in several regions, including Gilgit-Baltistan, the Tooshi Conservancy in Chitral District, the Gehrait Conservancy in Chitral District, and the Kaigah Conservancy in Kohistan District.
This year, the highest bid was received for the specific species of Astor markhor, amounting to $186,000.
In the framework of the trophy hunting program, local communities receive 80% of the license fee, while the government retains the remainder. The precise amount varies as licenses are allocated through a competitive bidding process.
Notably, only elderly and male markhors are targeted under the trophy hunting program. These animals can be distinguished by their horns, gait, and body structure. The success of this program is being recognized as a significant step in the preservation of biodiversity in Pakistan.
Markhor, the national animal of Pakistan, is safeguarded by both local and international regulations such as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).
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