The Wildlife Department of Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) recently approved hunting permits for markhors as part of their annual Trophy Hunting season, drawing attention with an exceptional surprise. This year’s auction set a new record with the highest-ever bid for a markhor permit in the region, highlighting the growing interest in hunting these majestic animals.
The auction for the markhor hunting permits garnered significant interest, with the Astor markhor permit attracting a staggering bid of $186,000, the highest bid ever seen in the region. Following closely behind, the second and third-highest bids were $181,000 and $177,000, respectively, for hunting other markhor species.
In addition to the markhor, the local administration made available 104 hunting permits for other endangered species, including 12 blue sheep and 88 ibexes. These permits are part of the annual trophy hunting program, which helps manage wildlife populations and fund conservation efforts. This year’s successful auction is expected to contribute significantly to both local conservation and economic growth.
The trophy hunting season in Gilgit-Baltistan runs from November 1 to April 25, providing licensed hunters with a six-month window to participate. Notably, 20% of the revenue generated from these hunting permits goes into the national treasury, while the remaining 80% is allocated to improve the local community, focusing on health, infrastructure, and development projects.
While some environmentalists believe that regulated trophy hunting can reduce illegal poaching and provide financial benefits to local communities, the practice remains controversial. Critics argue that it may have adverse effects on the region’s wildlife populations. However, supporters contend that it plays a crucial role in balancing the region’s ecosystem and funding vital community services, making the trophy hunting season in Gilgit-Baltistan a complex and ongoing debate. The revenue from this program is also instrumental in supporting local wildlife protection programs, ensuring that the conservation efforts are sustainable.
