A Russian national successfully hunted a rare Kashmiri markhor in Chitral after obtaining an official trophy hunting permit worth $68,000 (around Rs19.08 million), wildlife authorities confirmed.
The hunt took place in the Gahirat Gol Game Reserve, a protected area in Chitral, under strict supervision of the Wildlife Department. The markhor, a critically protected wild goat species, had long, spiral-shaped horns measuring nearly 41 inches, making it a prized trophy.
Officials explained that the foreign hunter legally secured the required license after paying the full fee for the permit. The hunting activity was closely monitored by a team including police, wildlife officers, and representatives from the Village Conservation Committees (VCCs) to ensure transparency and adherence to all rules and regulations.
The Wildlife Department emphasized that such regulated hunting permits are part of a conservation strategy. Revenues generated from trophy hunting are reinvested into wildlife protection, habitat maintenance, and local community development, helping preserve endangered species while supporting sustainable economic opportunities in the region.
Village Conservation Committee members played a key role in overseeing the process, ensuring that the hunting followed legal and ethical guidelines. Authorities highlighted that without proper monitoring, illegal hunting could threaten the fragile populations of markhors in the area.
The department also underlined that only a limited number of permits are issued each year to maintain ecological balance, and hunters must comply with strict rules to avoid penalties.
The event demonstrates how controlled trophy hunting, when carefully managed, can contribute to wildlife conservation and benefit local communities while protecting endangered species like the Kashmiri markhor.
