Markhor Research Articles

Helminths and Coccidia of Markhor (Capra falconeri) in Kazinag National Park, Jammu and Kashmir, India

A coprological analysis was carried out from October 2016 to September 2019 to determine the prevalence and associated determinants of gastrointestinal tract (GIT) parasites in Markhor Capra falconeri of Kazinag National Park, India. Fecal floatation and sedimentation technique revealed 150 pellet samples out of 248 pellet samples were positive for one or more parasites. Out of 248 pellet samples 147 (9.27%) were found positive for helminth and three (1.20%) were positive for protozoan. In this study six helminth species were detected, including five nematodes, one cestode and a protozoan: Haemonchus spp. (27.30%), Ostertagia spp. (11.15%), Trichuris spp. (5%), Chabertia spp.(4.23%), Cooperia spp. (3.07%), Moniezia spp. (1.15%), and Eimeria spp. (1.15%). The egg per gram (epg) of pellets was recorded highest for Haemonchus spp. (1500-2000 ± 210) followed by Ostertagia spp. (820-930 ± 55), Trichuris spp. (660-850 ± 80) Chabertia spp. (600-750 ± 86), Cooperia spp. (800-1200 ± 158) and Moniezia spp. (320-450 ± 42). Mixed infections were recorded in15samples. The cyst per gram for Eimeria spp. was found to be (320-562 ± 97). Highest prevalence of parasite egg/cystin pellets was recorded during summer season (70.42%) followed by autumn (58.73%) and least prevalence was recorded in winter (51.47%), with significant variation in prevalence. It is the pioneering study on this wild goat in the study area and the findings can assist to devise the appropriate control measures and prophylactic strategies against the GIT parasites of Markhor (Capra falconeri).

Winter dietary overlap between two sympatric wild caprids, markhor (Capra falconeri) and Himalayan goral (Naemorhedus goral) at Kazinag National Park and its adjoining areas in the Kashmir Himalaya

Winter dietary overlap between two sympatric wild caprids, markhor (Capra falconeri) and Himalayan goral (Naemorhedus goral) at Kazinag National Park and its adjoining areas in the Kashmir Himalaya

Markhor-derived Introgression of a Genomic Region Encompassing PAPSS2 Confers High-altitude Adaptability in Tibetan Goats.

Understanding the genetic mechanism of how animals adapt to extreme conditions is fundamental to determine the relationship between molecular evolution and changing environments. Goat is one of the first domesticated species and has evolved rapidly to adapt to diverse environments, including harsh high-altitude conditions with low temperature and poor oxygen supply but strong ultraviolet radiation. Here, we analyzed 331 genomes of domestic goats and wild caprid species living at varying altitudes (high > 3000 m above sea level and low < 1200 m), along with a reference-guided chromosome-scale assembly (contig-N50: 90.4 Mb) of a female Tibetan goat genome based on PacBio HiFi long reads, to dissect the genetic determinants underlying their adaptation to harsh conditions on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP). Population genomic analyses combined with genome-wide association studies (GWAS) revealed a genomic region harboring the 3'-phosphoadenosine 5'-phosphosulfate synthase 2 (PAPSS2) gene showing strong association with high-altitude adaptability (PGWAS = 3.62 × 10-25) in Tibetan goats. Transcriptomic data from 13 tissues revealed that PAPSS2 was implicated in hypoxia-related pathways in Tibetan goats. We further verified potential functional role of PAPSS2 in response to hypoxia in PAPSS2-deficient cells. Introgression analyses suggested that the PAPSS2 haplotype conferring the high-altitude adaptability in Tibetan goats originated from a recent hybridization between goats and a wild caprid species, the markhor (Capra falconeri). In conclusion, our results uncover a hitherto unknown contribution of PAPSS2 to high-altitude adaptability in Tibetan goats on QTP, following interspecific introgression and natural selection.

Density Pattern of Flare-Horned Markhor (Capra falconeri) in Northern Pakistan

Wild ungulates play vital roles in maintaining a balanced ecosystem through herbivory and are also an important determinant of carnivores’ density. The flare-horned markhor (Capra falconeri) is a threatened wild goat distributed across the mountain ranges of Pakistan, India, Afghanistan, Russia, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan. The remote terrain and fragmented population limit our understanding of the population ecology of markhor, though knowledge of the target species population is vital for making informed management decisions. Therefore, the current study was designed to determine the markhor population across their range in Northern Pakistan and to evaluate the efforts made by the government and non-government organizations for the conservation of markhor. Double-observer surveys were conducted during 2019–2021 in nine major watersheds of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan covering an area of 4664 km2. Secondary data were collected for unassessed areas to gain a holistic overview of the markhor population and density in the region. Results revealed a markhor population of 7579, with a density of 0.30 animals per km2 in Northern Pakistan. Our analysis of the double-observer data through the Bayesian behavioral capture–recapture model estimated a population of 5993 individuals (95% CI) of markhor across nine study sites, with a density of 1.28 animals per km2. A review of secondary data revealed that a population of about 1586 was present in the un-surveyed area (20,033.33 km2), with a density of 0.08 per km2. A total of 146 groups of markhor were counted, with a mean group size of 23 (3–58) individuals. There were 109 males and 108 young per 100 females in the population. Among 1936 recorded males, Class I males accounted for 27.74%, followed by Class II (26.45%), Class IV (trophy-size) (23.40%), and Class III (22.42%). The overall detection probability was recorded as 0.87 and 0.68 for the first observer and second observer, respectively. Compared with the past reports, the population of markhor in Northern Pakistan appears to be increasing, particularly in protected areas (PAs) such as national parks and community-controlled hunting areas (CCHAs). Conservation programs, notably trophy hunting and PA networks, appear to be vital in sustaining markhor populations in parts of the species range. We recommend expansion in such programs in the markhor range in order to maintain a viable population of this majestic wild goat in the region.

Status of Suleman Markhor (Capra falconeri Jerdoni) in Ziarat National Park, Balochistan to Identify its Negative Incentive Along with Conservation Measures

&#x0D; ABSTRACT:&#x0D; The present study was conducted to investigate the population growth pattern, population status examination of negative elements that decreased their population and formation of positive actions for conservation of Suleman markhor "(Capra falconeri jerdoni) ? in Ziarat National Park. The data in present work was assembled undeviatingly through occasional survey and meetings from the forest department, from the local community and wildlife department. Results showed that the number of Suleman markhor based on actual sighting is moderately subsidence as compared to those reported in 2017 by IUCN Pakistan. Density decreased due to climatic factors environmental factors, rise in hunting, food absence and drought. Thus it is recommended that taxonomic status persistence the flora and fauna of Ziarat park inference the wildlife rules against over hunting, conduction of surveys, proper vaccinations of animals, habitat hotbeds, dispersal species through GIS maps, investigation of genetic makeup through crossing different spices of others goats are mandatory for unusually unique species of Markhor in Ziarat National park, that is need of zoological point of view.

Gastrointestinal helminth parasites of wild ungulates in Hirpora Wildlife Sanctuary, Kashmir, India.

Parasitic infection represents an emerging threat to wild ungulates and a challenge to their management. Although a lot of work has been carried out on helminth parasitic infestation of domestic ungulates of Kashmir but the data pertaining to this aspect of wild ungulates has been ignored. The study on gastrointestinal helminth parasitic infestation of wild ungulates was carried out during post livestock grazing period (November to May) of 2018/2019 in Hirpora Wildlife sanctuary (HWLS) to fill the gap in the existing literature. During the study fresh faecal samples of musk deer Moschus spp. (n = 44) and markhor Capra falconeri (n = 41)were collected and examined qualitatively and quantitatively for gastrointestinal helminth parasites. A total of seven helminth parasites were recorded which are arranged in the descending order of their overall prevalence as Haemonchus spp. (44.70%), Nematodirus spp. (40%), Trichurisspp. (37.64%), Strongyloides spp. (34.11%) Trichostrongylus spp. (28.23%) Moniezia spp. (23.52%) and Fasciola spp. (20%). The mean EPG (eggs per gram) of different parasites showed a considerable variation in both the wild ungulates. The highest mean EPG was that of Haemonchus spp. and the lowest mean EPG was that of Fasciola spp. in both hosts. A statistically significant difference was observed in the mean EPG of different parasites between two wild hosts (t = 3.606, p = 0.01) .

Macroanatomical comparison and examination of external carotid artery and last branches in the abaza (capra aegagrus) and gurcu (capra falconeri) goats

The aim of this research is to macroanatomically compare and examine the arteria (a.) carotis externa and its last branches that provide arterial vascularization of the head region of Abaza and Gurcu goats. For this purpose, a total of 10 Abaza and 10 Gurcu goat heads were used. In both goat breeds, a. carotis communis continued as a. carotis externa. In both goat breeds, according to the vein order not taking place in nomina veterinaria anatomica, a common stem belonging to a. temporalis superficialis and a. transversa faciei was observed. In addition to this common stem, the presence of a common stem belonging to a. malaris and a. infraorbitalis, not mentioned in the nomina, in both goat breeds was detected. In Gurcu goats, 70% of the materials disappeared by getting thinner after being seperated from a. carotis externa of a. lingualis dextra. As a result, although the distribution of a. carotis externa in the head region of Abaza and Gurcu goats is generally similar to other small ruminants, some differences were determined in the origin points, courses and the number of sub-branches of the branches originating from the a. carotis externa.

Pakistan's Snow Leopards.

The Snow Leopard and the Goat. Hussain, S. 2019. University of Washington Press, Seattle, U.S.A. xix+ 217 pp. US$30.00 (paperback). ISBN 978-0-295-74657-9. Resolving pressures on wildlife requires local support, and that generally comes down to economics. In the case of the mountainous regions of Pakistan, trophy hunting of markhor (Capra falconeri) and ibex (Capra ibex), plus compensation of pastoralists for predation on domestic animals by snow leopards (Panthera uncia), are helping to reduce the loss of wildlife. Over the past 20 years, the author of The Snow Leopard and the Goat has been actively involved in an innovative compensation scheme, whereby about half the funds come from the herdsmen themselves as an insurance premium, and the other half from external sources (including, before 2001 tourist income). He has also studied snow leopards, concluding that numbers in Pakistan have been stable at 300–400 over the past 20 years and form perhaps 5% of the world's population. He recognizes that these numbers are uncertain and controversial. Despite 1400 papers and reports on the snow leopard over the past 40 years, the species is exceptionally hard to study. Nevertheless, those 1400 contributions demonstrate intense interest in conserving the snow leopard. With so many organizations involved, conflicts are rife, especially over competition for funds and how they should be used. As part of the collateral, we may be moving to increasing the resentment of pastoralists to conservation organizations, which wish to impose restrictions on land use. This book offers no strong solutions, but traces the history up to where we are now in an engaging and well-written account, straddling anthropology, biology, and sociology. Why do we care so much about conserving the snow leopard? Respect for the snow leopard in Pakistan traces through its religious past, including the locally extinct Bon religion, which sees sentience in high animals aligned with those of humans. British hunters in the 19th and early 20th centuries wanted to hunt snow leopards (even if they mostly lamented their inability to get a shot in at such an elusive species). We would like future generations to be able to see them. But the Global Snow Leopard Forum in October 2013, which has defined the past 8 years of debate, emphasized both the snow leopard and its habitat. The meeting was designated as “an international effort to save the snow leopard and conserve high-mountain ecosystems.” Large predators may aid conservation by being umbrella species, which require large intact habitats to persist (Caro, 2003). A second justification now comes from the demonstrable role of large predators in limiting herbivore populations; there are many examples where predator removal generated trophic cascades and habitat degradation (Estes et al., 2011). The author notes the above points, but this book is more about people and the snow leopard. The artificially high density of domestic animals grazing in the summer months clearly causes much habitat degradation, probably more than any trophic cascade could. I am most familiar with the scene in Himachal Pradesh, India, where the total number of livestock grazed at high elevations in the summer is increasing as lowland villagers’ wealth increases such that they can afford to send more animals out over the summer months (see also Namgail et al., 2007 and Joshi, 2020). The increase is coupled with technological advances, such as coordination through the use of mobile phones, that enable more efficient use of grazing lands. Given that impacts are high, the ultimate solution must surely require a reduction in pastoralism. In Pakistan, Hussain suggests that as people get richer and less interested in the hard life of pastoralism, this livelihood may already be declining. Ironically, he notes that livestock, which provided 70% of the snow leopard's prey in a study he was involved in, help maintain snow leopard populations. Further, trophy hunting may have increased markhor and ibex populations, but it has also contributed to vilification of the snow leopard for the wild animals it consumes. Nothing is ever straightforward.

A review on markhor (capra falconeri) survival features in mountain regions

Markhor (MK) is a wild goat and one of Pakistan's (PK’s) most stunning wild animal species. The species likes to live on difficult and steep cliffs of the mountains to guard themselves from assaults by snow leopards (Pantheraunica) and wolves (Canis lupus). These high cliffs also offer a safe haven from the hunters who want at least one MK pride in their life of hunting. The male MK is prettier when the horns are long and twisted. These species play an important part in the mountain's food web to ensuring that they remain in shape for nature and for people alike. PK contains 7 Caprinae populations from the hills of the Southern Desert up to the extreme Alpine regions of the Himalayas, with 11 subspecies occupying habitats. The majority of people in Caprinae in the world live in PK at lower altitudes use steep cliffs, open forest covered with cows, providing rock bluffs as escape land. In general, the flare horn MK (C. f.falconeri) and the direct horned MK are split into two categories; (C. f.megaceros).

Псороптоз овець і диких кіз: клінічний прояв та лікування в умовах антропобіоценозів

Among the ectoparasitoses of small ruminants, psoroptosis has an important place - a common acarosis disease caused by a permanent ectoparasite of the genus Psoroptes (Psoroptidae: Acariformes). This highly contagious invasion causes huge economic losses in many countries with developed sheep breeding. The aim of the work is to study the distribution and analyze the clinical signs in psoroptosis in sheep and wild goats. Research objectives: to determine the effectiveness of drugs in psoroptosis of sheep and wild goats in conditions of anthropobiocenoses. The material was skin scrapings from 63 sheep (Ovis aries) of fine-fleece breeds: Prekos and Romanovskaya, which belonged to the Scientific and Production Center of Kharkiv State Zooveterinary Academy (SPC KhSZVA) and from 17 wild goats: 14 Siberian mountain goats (Capra siberica) and 3 Marhura (Capra falconeri), which belonged to Government Organization (GO) «Feldman Eco-Park». The acarological study has carried out by the compressor method using a 50 % aqueous solution of glycerin and a 10 % alkali solution (KOH). For the treatment of sheep and wild goats, macrolides «Iveron-10», «Dectomax» were used at a dose of 0.2 ml per 10 kg of animal body weight, twice at 30 and 14 day intervals, respectively. In addition, a synthetic pyrethroid «Butox-50» by the bathing method in water emulsion (twice at 10 day intervals) after shearing sheep, in diluted 1 ml per 1 liter of water ex tempore. The infestation of sheep and wild goats by Psoroptes ovis mites (Hering, 1838) in 2017–2019 was 100 % with varying degrees of body surface damage. In 65.1 % of sheep of the SPC KhSZVA, hair loss was observed on 80–100 % of the body surface, in 28.6 % of animals – 50–79 % of the surface, 6.3 % – less than 50 % of the body surface. In 94.1 % of wild goats of the GO «Feldman Eco-Park», lesions were recorded up to 50 % of the body surface, and in 5.9 % – total lesion. Total lesion in wild goats was characterized by lesions of the surface of the head, ears and neck with significant keratinization of the skin to the inner layers with deep cracks and bleeding, and in sheep, by lesions of the entire surface of the body. Mortality in sheep was 3.2 %, and in wild goats - 5.9 % with generalized form. The applied treatment regimens of sheep and wild goats for psoroptosis with injectable preparations «Iveron-10» and «Dectomax», respectively, at a dose of 0.2 ml per 10 kg of animal body weight, twice at 30 and 14 day intervals with additional bathing of sheep in water emulsion of «Butox-50» (twice at 10 day intervals) showed 100 % efficiency.

Regional Comparison of Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia) Diet using DNA Metabarcoding

Application of next-generation sequencing (NGS) to DNA metabarcoding can greatly increase the understanding of predator–prey dynamics and the conflict between wildlife and humans, but remains underutilized for carnivores such as the threatened snow leopard (Panthera uncia). To date, this technique was hindered by the difficulty in discerning closely related caprines (Caprinae). We identified a segment of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (MT-CO1) to differentiate these prey, and used this marker in tandem with a portion of mitochondrial 12S rRNA (MT-RNR1) to determine dietary items in 165 genetically confirmed snow leopard scats from four range countries. Identified prey species consisted of ten medium to large mammals, three small mammals, and two birds. The dominant prey consumed varied by country, with markhor (Capra falconeri) most prevalent in Pakistan, Siberian ibex (C. sibirica) in Mongolia and Kyrgyzstan, and blue sheep (Pseudois nayaur) in China. Livestock comprised 31% of diet occurrences from Pakistan and 15% from Mongolia. Domestic livestock included goat (C. aegagrus hircus), sheep (Ovis aries), bovids (Bos taurus, B. grunniens, and potentially hybrids), and horse (Equus caballus). Protection and management of regionally specific wild prey is crucial for sustaining snow leopard populations, although overall dietary breadth suggests that snow leopards may exploit other species if necessary, including livestock. Additional sampling efforts across seasons, years, regions, and areas with varying degrees of livestock depredation are needed. MT-CO1 in conjunction with MT-RNR1 can be applied to other carnivore diet studies, making it an important tool for conservation and research, particularly in ecosystems with pastoral communities.

Dietary ecology of Markhor(Capra falconeri cashmiriensis) in winter range of Kazinag National Park, Kashmir, J&amp;K, India

Background/Objective: Understanding winter diet composition of wild ungulates in temperate habitats is of paramount importance for devising conservation measures. The winter diet composition of Markhor (Capra falconeri), one of the least studied ungulate species, was assessed in Kazinag National Park (KNP) of Jammu and Kashmir, India. Methods: Reference slides of 15 available plant species, through micro-histological technique were prepared. Tests like Diet Selection Values (DSV), Ivlev\'s Electivity Index (IEI) and Chi-square tests were applied to study the selection and preference of dietary items. Findings: 80 fecal samples of markhor were analyzed in winter seasons of 2017 & 2018, and compared with reference slides to evaluate the winter diet. Fifteen (15) plant species belonging to 7 families were identified in the diet. Use of Ivlev\'s Electivity Index (IEI), revealed that, shrubs were strongly preferred during this season, besides one graminoid species (Poa pratensis). Among the most preferred species are, Poa pratensis (DSV=6.17) followed by Prunus tomentosa (DSV=2.42), Indigofera heterantha (DSV=2.23), Lonicera spp. (DSV=1.66) and Euonymus hamiltonianus (DSV=1.63). Chi-square goodness of fit test showed that markhor did not feed on all plant species uniformly (p< 0.05). Novelty: Our findings infer that, markhor shows feeding flexibility to adapt to change in forage availability. We recommend that plant species which are the major components of diet of markhor during resource- lean winter be conserved and propagated on priority. Keywords: Diet composition; fecal analysis; Kazinag National Park; markhor; winter

Some Interesting facts about National Animal of Pakistan

“Markhor” (Capra falconeri) name is derived from two Persian and Pashto words, “Mar” means ‘snake’ and “khor” means ‘eater’. It is a large wild goar, habitant of mountains and high altitude rainy forest of Western and Central Asia. It is national animal of Pakistan and also termed as the ‘screw-horned goat’ or ‘Shakhawat’. The male Markhor are usually loners while females live in herds of 9. They are diurnal and excellent climbers and jump on rocky, mountains. After chewing the cud, they form a foamy substance in their drool which is used by the native people for extracting poison of the snake.&#x0D; Male Markhor lives in forest during the hot weathers, while female Markhor climb the highest peaks. However, they descend down to the area of relatively lower altitudes in cold season to avoid the extreme weather conditions. They forage for around 8-12 hours a day and then rest during the mid-day to chew their cud. Markhor are normally kept with other 83:wild goats. They are captivated in zoo and wildlife parks for conservation purpose. Markhor have an average life span of 10 to 13 years.&#x0D; They are susceptible of being eaten, when threatened, they give an alarm that is similar to that of a domestic goat bleating. It is listed as an endangered species on ‘The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List since 2015. During the last fifteen years (2006-2020), hundreds of markhor have been killed in Chitral gol national park (CGNP), Pakistan [1]. Direct predation and disturbance of natural environment to these animals have compromised conservation of markhor in Pakistan.

Parasites of markhor, urial and Chiltan wild goat in Pakistan

Parasites are transferred between domestic and wild animals, when host animals come in contact with each other, particularly while grazing the same pastures, or when using same water bodies for drinking. Chances of parasite transmission and adaptation are high when hosts are genetically related. Afghan urial (Ovis vignei blanfordi), Suleiman markhor (Capra falconeri jerdoni) and Chiltan wild goat (C. aegagrus chialtanensis) are wild kin of domestic sheep and goats, sharing numerous parasitic diseases with each other. The present study was conducted in 2014–2015, to determine parasitic infections of Suleiman markhor and Afghan urial of Torghar Game Reserve, and the endemic wild goat of Chiltan National Park. For comparison, parasites of domestic small ruminants of these areas were also studied. A total of 11 species of helminth and 20 species of protozoa were recorded. Highly prevalent helminth among wild ruminants were Trichuris spp., Nematodirus spp., Protostrongylus rufescens and Moniezia benedeni, while highly prevalent Eimeria were E. arloingi and E. ninakohlyakimovae in caprines and E. ovinoidalis in urial. Chiltan wild goats were also found infected with Entamoeba spp. A short tabulated review of the helminth and protozoan parasites of wild sheep and goats of Pakistan, India, Iran and Turkey has been presented.

Genome-wide definition of selective sweeps reveals molecular evidence of trait-driven domestication among elite goat (Capra species) breeds for the production of dairy, cashmere, and meat.

BackgroundThe domestication of wild goats and subsequent intensive trait-driven crossing, inbreeding, and selection have led to dramatic phenotypic purification and intermediate breeds for the high-quality production of dairy, cashmere wool, and meat. Genomic resequencing provides a powerful means for the direct identification of trait-associated sequence variations that underlie molecular mechanisms of domestication.ResultsHere, we report our effort to define such variations based on data from domestic goat breeds (Capra aegagrus hircus; five each) selected for dairy, cashmere, and meat production in reference to their wild ancestors, the Sindh ibex (Capra aegagrus blythi; two) and the Markhor (Capra falconeri; two). Using ∼24 million high-quality single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), ∼1.9 million insertions/deletions, and 2,317 copy number variations, we define SNP-desert-associated genes (SAGs), domestic-associated genes (DAGs), and trait-associated genes (TAGs) and attempt to associate them with quantitative trait loci (QTL), domestication, and agronomic traits. A greater majority of SAGs shared by all domestic breeds are classified into Gene Ontology categories of metabolism and cell cycle. DAGs, together with some SAGs, are most relevant to behavior, immunity, and trait specificity. Whereas, TAGs such as growth differentiation factor 5 and fibroblast growth factor 5 for bone and hair growth, respectively, appear to be directly involved in growth regulation.ConclusionsWhen investigating the divergence of Capra populations, the sequence variations and candidate function-associated genes we have identified provide valuable molecular markers for trait-driven genetic mapping and breeding.

Security, size, or sociality: what makes markhor (Capra falconeri) sexually segregate?

Sexual segregation, the tendency to seasonally live in groups comprised of separate sexes, is widespread in sexually dimorphic polygynous ungulates. The causes for such segregation are still being studied and debated to arrive at a universal explanation. We assessed sexual segregation in the markhor, Capra falconeri—a dimorphic mountain ungulate inhabiting a seasonal temperate environment. We observed markhor herd composition, gender-specific diet, and habitat use over 3 years and multiple seasons. We tested the predictions of the Reproductive Strategy-Predation Risk Hypothesis (RSH) that focuses on offspring security, and the Forage Selection-Sexual Dimorphism Hypothesis (FSH) based on different foraging needs between the sexes due to size dimorphism. Generalized linear models were used to identify the important variables that best explained segregation in markhor. Male and female markhor showed a tendency to segregate throughout the year outside the mating season. Female markhor were confined to cliffs with relatively less forage cover, whereas males used areas with relatively better forage away from the security of cliffs. Females also occurred at lower elevations compared to males. Social segregation prevailed during pre-parturition and continued until autumn when the offspring were older, indicating a role of other factors besides predation risk. Sexual segregation in markhor was influenced by multiple mechanisms.

Conundrums in Indology

A Śarabha is generally understood as an eight-legged monster, surpassing even elephants and lions in strength. A closer inspection of the sources reveals that the evidence for such a one-sided determination is entirely lacking. The notion of a Śarabha has a complex history. Its earliest attestation as a monster occurs only in late strata of the Mahābhārata. Despite this fact, the monstrous nature of a Śarabha was projected in an anachronistic manner indiscriminately onto other literatures as well. Starting, however, from the Atharvaveda, all texts previous to, or uninfluenced by, the Smārta tradition – in particular Buddhist, but also Jain ones –, keep to a different conception, one of an ordinary animal. The present article deals with the original zoological identity of the Śarabha as Mārkhor (Capra falconeri Wagn.) and with the misconceptions that motivated its gradual development into a monster.

Evidence for introgressive hybridization of captive markhor (Capra falconeri) with domestic goat: Cautions for reintroduction

Evidence for introgressive hybridization of captive markhor (Capra falconeri) with domestic goat: Cautions for reintroduction

Infection levels of protostrongylid nematodes in definitive caprine and intermediate gastropod hosts from Uzbekistan.

Morphological analysis of lungworms collected among Caprinae from Uzbekistan resulted in the identification of four species of Protostrongylidae: Protostrongylus rufescens, Protostrongylus hobmaieri, Spiculocaulus leuckarti and Cystocaulus ocreatus. The following species were recorded as definitive hosts: Ovis aries, Ovis ammon, Ovis vignei, Capra hircus, Capra falconeri and Capra sibirica. The prevalence of P. rufescens reached 45.3%, followed by S. leuckarti and C. ocreatus with 31.7% and P. hobmaieri with 16.9%. The sex ratio ranged between 1:3.1 and 1:6.2, with P. hobmaieri showing the strongest predominance of females over males. The prevalence of infection of small ruminants with protostrongylid nematodes increased with the age of the hosts. Protostrongyles use terrestrial gastropods as intermediate hosts, and infective larvae were found in the species Vallonia costata, Gibbulinopsis signata, Pupilla muscorum, Pseudonapaeus albiplicata, Pseudonapaeus sogdiana, Leucozonella ferghanica, Xeropicta candacharica, Candaharia levanderi and Macrochlamys sogdiana. Xeropicta candacharica was the most abundant gastropod and had the highest prevalence of infection with protostrongylids. Adult X. candacharica had a significantly higher infection intensity than juveniles. The epidemiology of protostrongylid infections is dynamic and subject to considerable changes. Further characterization of the interaction of protostrongylid parasites with their terrestrial gastropods as intermediate hosts and Caprinae as definitive hosts is required to understand these processes and to monitor the effects of changing ecological contexts.

Utility of several microsatellite markers for the genetic characterisation of three ex situ populations of threatened caprine taxa (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Capra aegagrus&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;, &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;C. cylindricornis&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; and &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;C. falconeri&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;)

Abstract. Caprines belong to the most endangered group of mammals and artiodactyls suffering from many negative human impacts. Fortunately, many of them are protected and managed by national and international legislation and in situ and ex situ conservation actions. Although many microsatellite markers have been developed for wild and domestic caprines, they remain uninvestigated in respect of their utility for some taxa. We examined the utility of the International Society for Animal Genetics microsatellite set for genetic characterisations of three wild and one domestic Capra species from captive or semi-captive ex situ populations in Europe. Our data suggest the utility of this microsatellite set for detecting shared and species-specific alleles, characterising the genetic variability, and determining phylogenetic relationships and intraspecific structures in investigated taxa. We detected a depleted genetic variability in Capra falconeri and Capra cylindricornis in European ex situ populations; unrelated individuals are therefore needed for improving genetic variability parameters, as they are for the extralimital population of Capra aegagrus in the Vřísek game reserve (Czech Republic), for which we identified no genetic introgression from the domestic goat and great dissimilarity with some analysed individuals from European zoos. Current results here indicate some difficulties with the historical evidence, for example with respect to the origin and purity of particular individuals under breeding programmes.