A Russian hunter, Alexey Kim, has made history by hunting a 14-year-old Kashmir Markhor with 55-inch horns in the Singoor Doke area near Chitral Gol National Park (CGNP). This marks the largest recorded trophy hunt for the species, surpassing the previous record of 53 inches and 10 years of age.
According to Rizwanullah Yousufzai, Divisional Forest Officer of CGNP Wildlife Division, this non-exportable trophy hunt is a testament to conservation efforts that have successfully increased the Kashmir Markhor population.
The species, once considered endangered, has grown in numbers due to collaboration between the government and local communities.
This was the fourth and final trophy hunt this season, for which Kim paid $71,000 (Rs. 19.86 million). He was assisted by CGNP staff and local community members in tracking down the Markhor.
Wildlife officials credit these controlled trophy hunts as part of a sustainable conservation strategy, ensuring both species protection and community benefits. The revenue generated from these permits is reinvested into wildlife preservation and local development projects.
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