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MarkhorCapra falconeri 2 of Diamonds |
Art by Foxfeather Ženková Minnesota |
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The name ‘Markhor’ means ‘snake-eater’ in Persian – though this endangered member of the goat family is strictly vegetarian. There is some speculation about how this interesting title came to be – some people believe they are known to kill snakes, others consider it to be a more likely mistaken translation-evolution of the words ‘mar’ (snake) and ‘akhur’ (horn). The spiraling, corkscrew-shaped horns that are the unique, distinguishing feature of the markhor have made it the target of intensive hunting. The horns are also considered to be of great value in traditional Asian medicine, fetching thousands of dollars a pound. Markhor live high in the Himalayan mountains. Even in this remote, cliffside habitat they are fighting a battle against human encroachment and competition with domestic livestock for sparse food resources. |
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Endangered Ark
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