# Markhor (*Capra falconeri*) Markhors are wild goats with long, twisted horns that live in the mountains. They are excellent climbers and can jump from rock to rock with ease. - **Category:** [Mammals](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/mammal) - **Rarity:** Rare - **Danger:** 2/5 · Low - **Habitat:** Mountain regions - **Also known as:** Screw Horn Goat ![Markhor](https://media.snappit.app/site-media-v1/01e4589de7a32f3f8aa1dc5a23977ae6f9e932f3258786df440b107f8cc3678d/image-560x560/w-560.webp) ## Appearance The Markhor has striking, spiraling horns that twist upward like a corkscrew, making it easily distinguishable from other wild goats. Its coat is shaggy and ranges from light brown to grey, with males often displaying a prominent, long beard and mane that can be quite pale. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Mammalia - **Order:** Artiodactyla - **Family:** Bovidae - **Genus:** Capra ## Interesting facts - Male Markhor horns can grow over 1.5 meters (5 feet) long, taller than many grown-ups! - Markhor can stand on their hind legs to reach high leaves and branches for a snack! - Their name 'Markhor' is Persian for 'snake eater', even though they only eat plants! - These skilled climbers can jump across gaps over 1.5 meters wide with ease! ## Special abilities - **Mountain Master:** Markhor can scale incredibly steep cliffs and rocky terrain because of their specialized hooves that provide amazing grip. - **Horned Navigator:** Markhor has massive, twisted horns that help them balance on narrow ledges and are used in dominance displays. - **Super Sight:** Markhor has excellent eyesight that helps them spot both predators and tasty plants from far away in mountainous regions. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 132-186 cm - **Weight:** 32-110 kg - **Lifespan:** 10-13 years - **Speed:** 40 km/h - **Litter Size:** 1-2 - **Gestation:** 135-170 days ## Diet & Feeding Markhor are hungry herbivores, munching on grasses, leaves, and twigs found in their mountain homes. - **Primary Foods:** Grasses, Leaves, Shoots, Twigs, Herbs, Acorns - **Foraging Method:** Grazing ## Ecological connections - **Eaten by:** [Snow Leopard](https://www.snappit.app/explore/snow-leopard) (*Panthera uncia*) — A primary predator of Markhor in high mountain areas. - **Eaten by:** Grey Wolf (*Canis lupus*) — Wolves hunt Markhor, especially the young or weak. - **Eats:** [Common Juniper](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-juniper) (*Juniperus communis*) — Markhor browse on the leaves and shoots of juniper bushes. ## Traits - [Furry](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/furry): Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur. - [Social](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/social): Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring. - [Horned](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/horned): Characterized by having one or more hard, permanent, pointed projections on the head. - [Camouflaged](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/camouflaged): Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment. - [Herbivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/herbivorous): This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material. - [Mountain](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/mountain): This habitat trait identifies species found in mountainous regions, characterized by high elevation, steep slopes, and varying climate zones. - [Ancient Lineage](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/ancient-lineage): This trait signifies organisms belonging to a very old evolutionary group with ancestors dating back millions of years. - [Keystone Species](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/keystone-species): Describes a species whose presence and role have a disproportionately large effect on its environment. ## Collections - [Mammals](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/mammals) ## Safety **Danger:** 2/5 · Low Admire these animals from a safe distance and never try to approach them in the wild. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Markhor? Compare ears, muzzle, tail, feet and coat markings. Size is hard to judge without something nearby for scale, and young mammals may not have adult coloring yet. Mammal Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How long is Markhor? 132-186 cm ### How much does Markhor weigh? 32-110 kg ### How long does Markhor live? 10-13 years ### How fast can Markhor move? 40 km/h ### What does Markhor eat? Markhor are hungry herbivores, munching on grasses, leaves, and twigs found in their mountain homes. ### Where is Markhor usually found? Mountain regions ### How does Markhor hunt? Grazing ## Where to spot - [Stone Zoo](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/stone-zoo) — Massachusetts, US · Zoo - [Alameda Park Zoo](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/alameda-park-zoo) — New Mexico, US · Zoo ## More Mammals - [Eastern Fox Squirrel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-fox-squirrel) (*Sciurus niger*) - [Eastern Cottontail](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-cottontail) (*Sylvilagus floridanus*) - [Eastern Chipmunk](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-chipmunk) (*Tamias striatus*) - [California Ground Squirrel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/california-ground-squirrel) (*Otospermophilus beecheyi*) --- Source: [Markhor: Characteristics, Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/markhor)