SRINAGAR: The markhor, a wild goat with spiral-shaped horns, made a rare appearance in Noorkha village of Boniyar in Baramulla district on Saturday morning, officials said.
According to officials, locals spotted the animal near a waterfall in Noorkha and promptly alerted the authorities. A team of police and wildlife officials visited the spot soon after.
An official said that this is the first time the rare species has been spotted in the area. “It may have crossed over from the other side of the border,” he speculated.
Efforts are underway to safely capture the animal to ensure its wellbeing, the official added. Locals have been advised to stay away from the operation site.
The markhor, an endangered species, is native to the mountainous regions of Central and South Asia, including Pakistan, Afghanistan, India, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. (KNO)
