Status of the Heptner's markhor (Capra falconeri heptneri) in Turkmenistan

Abstract

We observed 227 Heptner's markhors (Capra falconeri heptneri) during a survey of this endangered subspecies in April 1995 in the Kugitang Nature Reserve of eastern Turkmenistan. Because of the limited area surveyed, this census provided a minimal estimate of the size of the population. The population appears to be increasing, which is due to removal of livestock, improved range conditions, and control of illegal hunting. Future conservation of the Heptner's markhor in Turkmenistan could include an ecotourism program and limited hunting to generate funding for monitoring and management programs.