Rock blasting behind the disappearance of markhor in Chitral

Rock blasting behind the disappearance of markhor in Chitral

Rock blasting has emerged as a major reason behind the fast disappearance of Kashmir markhor in Chitral.

Already suffering from illegal hunting, food shortage and diseases, the mountain goat is fleeing the beautiful area of Chitral due to loud explosions by unrestrained dynamiting of the rocks alongside Chitral-Garam Chashma Road near Toshi game reserve.

Miraj Ahmad Khan Mughal, a wildlife activist of Seen village bordering the game reserve, told the news reporters that locals were blowing up rocks in Chitral, especially near Toshi game reserve, to get stone for construction of houses and roads without let or hindrance

“Kashmir markhor goes to high altitudes in summer and comes to low altitudes in winter but frequent stone blasting at low altitudes coupled with illegal hunting, unlawful grazing by goats and frequent outbreak of diseases has forced it to spend most of the time staying at high altitudes to the detriment of its life,” Miraj Ahmad Khan Mughal said.

Mr Mughal said the count of Kashmir markhors in Chitral was currently estimated at around 300 and had more than halved in the past two years.

The wildlife activist said the wild life department had formed three committees for the protection of the endangered species but they had closed their eyes to its plight, adding the department, too, was least bothered about it.

He requested the relevant provincial authorities for corrective measures but was also given the cold shoulder.

He warned that Chitral would soon have no Kashmir markhor if its illegal hunting, rock blasting and goat grazing continued.

Markhor are an endangered species of wild goats whose range is mostly in Pakistan. The males have beautiful horns that are serpentine shaped and can be very impressive.

Markhors are found throughout a number of areas within Northern and Western Pakistan but populations are low and localized. The only area where you are guaranteed to see Markhor is Tooshi Gol Game Reserve, which is about 30 minutes north of Chitral town. In the late afternoon until dusk, you will see Markhor descend the slopes to drink water from the passing river. It is possible to see up to 50 here and they seem indifferent to the watching humans.

Short URL: https://www.newspakistan.pk/?p=1285

Posted by Sonia Bashir on Oct 25 2011. Filed under National, Pakistan. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry