Bronx Zoo Adds Endangered Species of Spiral-Horned Goats

The Turkmenian Markhor is found in the mountains of Afghanistan, India, Pakistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan

An endangered species of spiral-horned goats has been added to the Bronx Zoo's Wild Asia habitat.

The Turkmenian Markhor is found in the mountains of Afghanistan, India, Pakistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

The Bronx Zoo herd numbers three adult males, several females and their offspring.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature classifies markhor as endangered. Fewer than 2,500 are found in the wild. Their thick fur and horns make them a target for trophy hunters and poachers.

They scale steep rocky terrain to escape predators such as snow leopards and wolves. The herd joins a herd of Himalayan tahr at the zoo.

The Himalayan tahr is another species of Asiatic mount goat found in parts of China, Tibet, Nepal and northern India.

The markhor went on public display this month.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
Contact Us