GILGIT: Two foreign nationals on Wednesday hunted two highest-rated Astore markhors in Gilgit-Baltistan region under the 2021-22 trophy hunting programme.

According to the GB wildlife department, James Kevin of the United States hunted the markhor in Jutial Conservancy area in Gilgit district after paying $131,000 for trophy permit and Viejo Gonzalez Jesus of Mexico in Bunji of Astore district for $136,000 fee.

Also in the day, the wildlife department and Central Karakoram National Park personnel held a man for illegally hunting Himalayan ibex in Askoli village of Shigar district.

They said Mohammad Taha was trying to transport the ibex meat from Shigar to Skardu district.

The officials said 80 per cent of the hunting trophy amount went to the community for wildlife conservation, while the remaining was deposited in the exchequer.

The GB wildlife department had auctioned four hunting licences for Astore markhor, 14 for blue sheep and 85 for Himalayan ibex under the 2021-22 trophy hunting programme.

Published in Dawn, January 14th, 2022