Russian National Hunts Rare Markhor for $68,000

A Russian national legally hunted a rare Kashmiri markhor in the Gahiret Gol area of Lower Chitral under an official permit, wildlife officials confirmed on Sunday.

The Wildlife Department said the hunter, Andrey Zaika, secured a valid trophy hunting licence after paying $68,000. Officials added that the markhor’s horns measured 41 inches.

Police officials, Wildlife Department staff, and chairpersons of local Village Conservation Committees (VCCs) were present during the hunt to ensure security and strict adherence to regulations.

Authorities said the hunt took place under the community-based trophy hunting programme, which allocates a significant portion of the revenue to local community welfare and wildlife conservation.

The programme aims to protect endangered species by incentivising communities to participate in the sustainable management of natural resources.

However, the hunt drew criticism from social activists, who questioned the killing of a rare species under the trophy hunting framework. They argued that the Wildlife Department should prioritise the protection and survival of markhors instead of permitting hunts.

Activists urged the department to launch a large-scale awareness campaign to promote conservation and protect endangered wildlife across the region.