An American trophy hunter has successfully hunted a Kashmir Markhor in the Shasha-Thoshi Community Managed Game Reserve in Chitral under the supervision of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Wildlife Department. Officials confirmed that the hunt took place in the Thoshi Shasha Conservancy and followed all national and international trophy hunting regulations.
Divisional Forest Officer (Wildlife) Chitral Farooq Nabi said authorities ensured full transparency and compliance throughout the process.
The hunter secured the legal permit through an international bidding process by offering 270,000 dollars, an amount that officials said reflects the global value of the Kashmir Markhor. The American national, who chose to remain anonymous, hunted a mature Markhor with 52-inch horns from a distance of approximately 510 metres. Nabi said the hunt demonstrated adherence to ethical hunting standards and highlighted the effectiveness of Pakistan’s conservation-based trophy hunting programme.
Wildlife Department officials remained present during the operation to monitor compliance with approved permits and conservation protocols.
Revenue supports communities and strengthens conservation efforts
Officials said the trophy hunting programme has transformed wildlife protection into a sustainable livelihood opportunity for local communities. Under the revenue-sharing model, authorities will allocate 80 percent of the proceeds directly to community welfare and development initiatives. These include funding for education, healthcare, infrastructure development, and conservation-related livelihoods.
Nabi said this model has encouraged community ownership of conservation efforts. As a result, communities have played an active role in curbing illegal hunting and protecting endangered species. He added that regulated trophy hunting has contributed to the recovery of wildlife populations in Chitral and has strengthened trust between local residents and conservation authorities.
“The Kashmir Markhor is not merely a trophy; it represents a conservation success story,” Nabi said. He explained that controlled hunting ensures the long-term survival of the species while also improving socio-economic conditions in remote areas.
The Kashmir Markhor, Pakistan’s national animal, holds a near-threatened status globally. However, community-managed conservation initiatives in Chitral have received international recognition for reversing population decline and reinforcing sustainable wildlife protection practices.
