Turkmenian markhor
Capra falconeri heptneri
![Turkmenian markhor sat on a hillside looking at the camera [eye contact] IMAGE: Amy Middleton 2023](https://images.rzss.org.uk/media/Highland_Wildlife_Park/HWP_animals/Turkmenian_markhor/turkmenian_markhor_1.jpg)
We have a large herd of Turkmenian markhor here at the park.
Population
Increasing
Diet
Herbivore
Habitat
Mountains
Fact file
Markhor are the largest of the wild goat species
Both males and females have striking spiral horns. These can grow up to 5ft long in mature males and up to 2ft long in females
They are excellent climbers and jumpers
It is estimated there are less than 2,500 markhor remaining in the wild. As well as being poached for the traditional medicine trade, markhor are also threatened by habitat loss
![Turkmenian markhor calf Iris looking back at camera [eye contact] [portrait] IMAGE: Amy Middleton 2023](https://images.rzss.org.uk/media/Highland_Wildlife_Park/HWP_animals/Turkmenian_markhor/turkmenian_markhor_3.jpg)
How we're helping
Like all the animals in our care, our markhor are amazing ambassadors for their relatives in the wild and help hundreds of thousands of people connect with nature every year. They encourage visitors to learn about the threats facing wildlife and the action they can take to help create a world where nature is protected, valued, and loved.
As a wildlife conservation charity, we care for the animals here at the zoo and work to protect species at risk around the world. From providing expertise in genetics and veterinary health to protecting wild places with local conservation partners, and even restoring threatened species to the wild, we are active where we are needed most.
Find out more about RZSS conservation