In eastern Turkmenistan, on the slopes of the Koytendag Mountains, a record increase in the population of the markhor, a rare species listed in the International Red Book, has been recorded. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan.

According to data from the Koytendag Nature Reserve, in 2024, scientists counted 1,572 adult individuals, the highest number ever recorded.

As noted by Shaniyaz Menliyev, head of the reserve's scientific department, this success was made possible by many years of conservation work. Strict protection measures have not only stabilised but also increased the markhor population.

In 2024, nine countries initiated the establishment of International Markhor Day on 24 May as a sign of support for efforts to preserve the species.

Living at altitudes of up to 3,500 metres, these rare animals play an important role in the ecosystem and are famous for their ability to move around rocky areas. The increase in numbers improves the chances of seeing them in the wild, and ecologists hope that the positive trend will continue.