Turkmenian markhor

Capra Falconeri Heptneri

Turkmenian markhor sat on a hillside looking at the camera [eye contact] IMAGE: Amy Middleton 2023

Status

NE DD LC NT VU EN CR EW EX

For more info on classifications visit www.iucnredlist.org

There are five Turkmenian markhor here at Edinburgh Zoo – Bud, Basil, Bramble, Heather and Daisy.

Our small herd arrived from Highland Wildlife Park in February 2024 and can be spotted exploring their temporary enclosure in our old giant panda enclosure.

Population

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Increasing

IUCN August 2018

Diet

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Herbivore

Habitat

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Mountains

Fact file

  • Markhor are the largest of the wild goat species

  • They are native to the mountains of the Hindu Kush 

  • Both males and females have striking spiral horns. These can grow up to 5ft long in mature males and up to 2ft long in females

  • It is estimated there are fewer than 2,500 markhor remaining in the wild. As well as being poached for the traditional medicine trade, markhor are also threatened by habitat loss

Mother and young markhor walking through enclosure, outdoors old panda, at Edinburgh Zoo Image: ALLIE MCGREGOR 2024

How we're helping

Like all the animals in our care, our markhor are amazing ambassadors for their relatives in the wild and help hundreds of thousands of people connect with nature every year. They encourage visitors to learn about the threats facing wildlife and the action they can take to help create a world where nature is protected, valued, and loved.

As a wildlife conservation charity, we care for the animals here at the zoo and work to protect species at risk around the world. From providing expertise in genetics and veterinary health to protecting wild places with local conservation partners, and even restoring threatened species to the wild, we are active where we are needed most.

Find out more about RZSS conservation