A Russian hunter, Alexey Kim, successfully hunted a 14-year-old Kashmir Markhor near Chitral Gol National Park. The Markhor had impressive 55-inch horns, making it the largest trophy hunt ever recorded in the area.
This broke the previous record of 53-inch horns. The hunt was carried out under the supervision of wildlife officials and local community members to ensure it followed regulations.
According to officials from the Chitral Gol National Park Wildlife Division, this controlled hunting program is part of conservation efforts. The Markhor, once an endangered species, has seen an increase in population due to joint initiatives by the government and local communities.
By carefully managing these hunts, authorities ensure that conservation efforts continue while also benefiting the local people.
The hunt was classified as “non-exportable,” meaning the trophy cannot be taken out of the country. It was part of a regulated hunting program that allows a limited number of hunts each season. Alexey Kim paid $71,000 (nearly PKR 2 crore) for the hunting permit, making it the fourth and final trophy hunt of the season.
Officials emphasize that such hunting programs help fund conservation projects. The money collected from these permits is used to protect wildlife, support local communities, and maintain biodiversity in the region.
This model has helped balance conservation with sustainable hunting, ensuring that the Markhor population continues to grow while also benefiting the people living in the area.
Trophy hunting remains a controversial topic, but authorities argue that it plays a key role in protecting endangered species when managed responsibly. By involving local communities and enforcing strict regulations, these programs aim to preserve Pakistan’s rich wildlife while generating revenue for conservation and development projects.
