Vegetation Type Preference and Habitat Use of Kashmir Markhor (<i>Capra falconeri cashmiriensis</i>) in Kazinag National Park, Kashmir, India

Mehraj Bashir; Mustahson F. Fazili; Bilal A. Bhat; Riyaz Ahmad; Hameem Mushtaq Wani

doi:10.36808/if/2021/v147i5/155851

Vegetation Type Preference and Habitat Use of Kashmir Markhor (Capra falconeri cashmiriensis) in Kazinag National Park, Kashmir, India

Authors

Mehraj Bashir Department of Zoology, University of Kashmir, Srinagar-190006
Mustahson F. Fazili Department of Zoology, University of Kashmir, Srinagar-190006
Bilal A. Bhat Department of Zoology, University of Kashmir, Srinagar-190006
Riyaz Ahmad Wildlife Trust of India, F-13, Sector 8, NCR, Noida-201301
Hameem Mushtaq Wani Department of Zoology, University of Kashmir, Srinagar-190006

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.36808/if/2021/v147i5/155851

Keywords:

Slope, Cliff, Habitat, Preferences, Kashmir, Markhor, Kazinag.

Abstract

Habitat preferences of the least studied wild caprid, Kashmir Markhor (Capra falconeri cashmiriensis) was assessed in Kazinag National Park Kashmir by field surveys on 10 predetermined trails/transects and 6 vantage points during different seasons from 2017 to 2018. Data was collected directly from the field through direct observations and evidences of faecal pellets and footprints. Markhor was found to prefer elevations between 2200-3400m in different seasons. It prefers lower elevations in cold season and higher elevations in warmer seasons, thus shows altitudinal migration. Cliff habitat is most preferred habitat followed by conifers. Riverine and grassland habitats are least preferred whereas alpine meadows are avoided. During winter Markhor prefers south facing slopes (67.30%), while as all the slopes are used almost equally in other seasons. During fawning, females remain at lower elevations, steeper slopes and close to cliffs. The identification of the crucial and preferred areas of Markhor, by this study, can be utilized as a valuable guiding tool in devising conservation and management strategies for the revival of Markhor in Kashmir.

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