Markhor

The markhor is a large wild goat native to mountain regions of Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, India, and surrounding parts of Central and South Asia. Mature males commonly weigh about 180–240 pounds, while females usually weigh about 70–110 pounds. Males have spectacular corkscrew-shaped horns, long beards, and shaggy neck hair, while females are smaller with shorter horns. Coat color varies from gray-brown to reddish or tan depending on season and subspecies. Markhor are sure-footed mountain browsers and are among the most visually distinctive wild goats. In the United States, they have been maintained in zoos, conservation programs, and select exotic ranches since the 20th century.