Pakistan celebrated its first International Day of the Markhor, the national animal of the country.
Pakistan is celebrating the first International Day of the Markhor, as declared by the United Nations. This special day falls on May 24 every year, following a resolution adopted by the UN General Assembly on May 2. The Markhor, Pakistan’s national animal, holds great importance not only as a symbol of national pride but also for its ecological role. Mohamed Yahya, the UN Resident Coordinator in Pakistan, stressed the significance of Markhor conservation for preserving the natural environment and promoting sustainable tourism in the region.
Pakistan has been successful in increasing the population of Markhor, with estimates now ranging between 3,500 to 5,000 individuals. However, globally, the number of mature Markhors remains below 6,000, highlighting the importance of ongoing conservation efforts.
One significant initiative supporting Markhor conservation is the ‘Living Indus’ project. This project has been acknowledged as a ‘World Restoration Flagship’ by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Its goal is to safeguard and restore the natural habitats in the Indus River basin, which are crucial for the survival of Markhor and other wildlife.
Celebrating the International Day of the Markhor shows how Pakistan is dedicated to conserving wildlife and protecting the environment. It helps people understand why it’s crucial to save endangered animals and their homes. This special day promotes teamwork worldwide to save Markhor and their natural surroundings, making sure they stay safe for the next generations.
