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Tag: Wildlife Photography

15.01.2026 update

Kashmir Markhor in rut

Here is a report on the Kashmir Markhor I observed during the breeding season. Last time, they were still clashing horns to determine their ‘rank,’ but this time, the hierarchy was already settled. I was able to observe the ‘lovey-dovey’ pairs in full swing.

 

 Kashmir Markhor

The Markhor is one of the world’s largest species of wild goats, inhabiting the rugged mountain ranges spanning Central and South Asia. While its name means ‘snake eater’ in Persian, it is actually a herbivore. Its most striking feature is the magnificent spiral horns found on the males; I was absolutely stunned when I first saw them. Currently, three subspecies are said to live in Pakistan. The ones found here at the foot of the Hindu Kush mountains are known as Kashmir Markhor, characterized by their wide-flaring horns that curve in a graceful, gentle spiral.

↓↓ Kashmir Markhor in rut

There are a few reasons why the tongue stays out. One is the state of excitement unique to the rutting season, and the other is part of the Flehmen response. By curling back the upper lip, the Markhor exposes the ‘Jacobson’s organ’ to intake pheromones. Sticking the tongue out is thought to help sense chemical signals more directly and regulate airflow to send scents to the organ. This is how males check if a female is in heat. Nature is truly amazing!

↓↓A Kashmir Markhor exhibiting the Flehmen response(10 seconds clip)

Excited males may even chase females down to the riverbanks. This is a rare chance to observe Markhors at close range
Too close for a telephoto lens!
A male and female in rut
Even on the steep rocky cliffs, the male continues to chase the female

On a side note, I used a KOWA spotting scope with a smartphone adapter this time, and it worked brilliantly! I highly recommend it because everyone can view the screen together. The locals in Pakistan were actually quite envious of the setup!

So far, I’ve successfully observed two of Pakistan’s three Markhor subspecies: the Kashmir Markhor and the Astore Markhor. However, the Suleiman Markhor remains a major challenge, and I haven’t even been able to visit its habitat yet. If you have a moment, search for images of the ‘Suleiman Markhor’—its horns are absolutely mind-blowing! I hope to fulfill this dream one day.

 

Image & Text : Mariko SAWADA

Observation : Dec 2025, Chitral, KPK

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Category : = Video Clip KPK > ◆ Video Breathtaking Views of Pakistan > ◆Khyber Pakhtunkhwa > - Markhor > - Chitral > ◇ Wildlife of Pakistan
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19.04.2023 update

Lolly, the Snow Leopard 2023

I visited “Lolly, the Snow Leopard” for the first time in a long time. The first time I saw her was in 2015, at the KVO check post in the border town of Sost, and at that time, she was 3 years old, being raised by people. Afterwards, Lolly was moved to Naltar Valley, where the Pakistan Army facilities are located.

So it must be that she is over 10 years old now?

Seeing Lolly through the bushes. She is so beautiful. But, she seems to be “a bit chubbier” than a wild snow leopard.

I waited for her to move away from the fence and go to a place where I could get some nature in the background of the photo. Here, Lolly was sitting in her favorite spot. On the day I visited, there was only one other local photographer there.

One of Lolly’s favorite sitting spots.

Oh, maybe she’s gonna make a move?

You can hear the rapid fire of camera shutters clicking in the moment she makes a move.

The thick tail of a snow leopard. This tail helps them balance when hunting on steep slopes and cliffs.

The bottom of her foot, covered with fur to protect it from the cold, and with a large ground surface area, making it easier to walk on snowy surfaces.
Pads on her feet…for the people who love them, we just can’t get enough of these ‘toe beans’!

The back is also nice to see, her ears, the nape of the neck…If you are watching a wild snow leopard, you can hardly get a view of them from this angle. Lolly was very cooperative this day, and during our stay of about 2.5 hrs, we could see her move to her ‘favorite spots’ and finally settle down right beside me.

Lolly was a very close distance (I could have reached out and felt her fluffy fur). I could hear her making growling noises.
Even though she is raised in captivity, for people who love snow leopards, to be able to be at this proximity with one, this is an interesting place where you can observe her to your heart’s content.

 

Photo & Text: Mariko SAWADA
Observation: Jan 2023, Naltar Valley, Gilgit-Baltistan

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Category : - Snow Leopard (captivity) > ◆ Gilgit-Baltistan > ◇ Wildlife of Pakistan > - Naltar Valley
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