Islamabad:- In order to protect and protect the Markhor people and their habitat, Pakistan Post in collaboration with WWF-Pakistan has launched stamps featuring the Markhors of Kashmir. The stamps were released at an inauguration ceremony at the Pakistan Academy of Sciences building in the city.
According to experts, the symbol of Kashmir in Pakistan is facing many threats that threaten its survival. The main threats to specific populations are habitat loss, agricultural expansion, poaching, climate change and infrastructure development. This threat caused a drastic decline in the population of Markhor. Experts are calling for a comprehensive conservation effort to protect and preserve this majestic species, given the various challenges to its popular population.
The national animal of Pakistan is a large wild goat native to South Asia and Central Asia, mainly found in Pakistan, India, the Karakoram range, Afghanistan and the Himalayas. Until 2015, it has been classified as endangered in the IUCN Red List. Mostly based on the king’s configuration, markhor is divided into five subtypes such as Astor markhor, Bukharan markhor, Kabul markhor, Kashmiri markhor and Solomon markhor.
Hammad Naqi Khan, Director General, WWF-Pakistan, in his speech at the inauguration said that this stamp not only marks the presence of Kashmir but also the need for joint conservation efforts to protect its future. The initiative is also aimed at drawing attention to the critical need for conservation of threatened species and habitats and anti-poaching measures. He further said that issuing a stamp dedicated to Kashmir will remind us of our collective responsibility to protect and preserve our natural heritage for future generations.
Pakistan Post Additional Director General Rizwan Hashmi said that our country is home to biodiversity like Indus river dolphins, whales, common tigers, snow leopards and many resident and migratory birds. This stamp in Kashmir Markhor shows the government’s commitment to raise awareness and protect this endangered species, which faces various threats. Furthermore, Hashmi emphasized the importance of promoting conservation initiatives that help address threats to wildlife and take action on the ground. He appreciates the role of the community in maintaining the markhor species in Pakistan.
As a true goat of the Himalayas, the Kashmir goat is the most attractive wild goat, distinguished by its large body, long curly horns, thick hair, and beard and neck. It spreads from Afghanistan to Pakistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Jammu and Kashmir, India.
