Markhor

The markhor is the largest wild goat. It is native to mountainous regions of Pakistan, Afghanistan, and northern India. Markhors are noted for their massive, spirally twisted horns. The markhor has a long, silky coat, which is pale reddish brown in summer and rusty iron gray in winter. Males inhabiting the northern regions of the markhor's range grow long flowing manes and long beards, which reach almost to their knees. Sportsmen once regarded the markhor as an excellent game animal. However, competition from domestic livestock, loss of habitat to human populations, and excessive hunting have seriously depleted markhor populations, and the species is endangered.