Turkmenian markhor
Capra Falconeri Heptneri
![Turkmenian markhor sat on a hillside looking at the camera [eye contact] IMAGE: Amy Middleton 2023](https://images.rzss.org.uk/media/Highland_Wildlife_Park/HWP_animals/Turkmenian_markhor/turkmenian_markhor_1.jpg)
There are five Turkmenian markhor here at Edinburgh Zoo - Bud, Basil, Bramble, Heather and Daisy.
Our small herd arrived from Highland Wildlife Park in February 2024 and can be spotted exploring their temporary enclosure in our old giant panda enclosure.
Population
Increasing
IUCN August 2018
Diet
Herbivore
Habitat
Mountains
Fact file
Markhor are the largest of the wild goat species
They are native to the mountains of the Hindu Kush
Both males and females have striking spiral horns. These can grow up to 5ft long in mature males and up to 2ft long in females
It is estimated there are fewer than 2,500 markhor remaining in the wild. As well as being poached for the traditional medicine trade, markhor are also threatened by habitat loss
How we're helping
Like all the animals in our care, our markhor are amazing ambassadors for their relatives in the wild and help hundreds of thousands of people connect with nature every year. They encourage visitors to learn about the threats facing wildlife and the action they can take to help create a world where nature is protected, valued, and loved.
As a wildlife conservation charity, we care for the animals here at the zoo and work to protect species at risk around the world. From providing expertise in genetics and veterinary health to protecting wild places with local conservation partners, and even restoring threatened species to the wild, we are active where we are needed most.
Find out more about RZSS conservation