A Census planned in J&K in early 2026 is aimed at conservation of which species?

Question

A Census planned in J&K in early 2026 is aimed at conservation of which species?

1. A. Markhor (Correct answer)
2. B. Hangul
3. C. Snow Leopard
4. D. Himalayan Brown Bear

Correct Answer

Option A — A

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is Option A.

Key Points

• The Markhor (Capra falconeri) is a wild goat found in the Pir Panjal range of Jammu & Kashmir, recognisable by its spiral, corkscrew horns.
• It is the national animal of Pakistan and is listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List; in India its small population is confined to J&K, which is why a dedicated census matters.
• Why the other options are wrong:
• Hangul — the Kashmir stag, J&K's state animal, censused at Dachigam; a separate exercise.
• Snow Leopard — surveyed under the Snow Leopard Population Assessment in India (SPAI).
• Himalayan Brown Bear — found in the higher reaches, not the subject of this census.

Exam Tip

• pair each J&K species with its habitat — Markhor with the Pir Panjal, Hangul with Dachigam/Zabarwan, Snow Leopard with the trans-Himalaya of Ladakh.

Additional Information

• The Markhor (*Capra falconeri*) is a wild goat of the Pir Panjal, distinguished by its corkscrew horns; it is the national animal of Pakistan and listed as Near Threatened by the IUCN.
• In J&K it is found in the Kazinag, Hirpora and Tatakoti areas, and is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act.
• Its name comes from Persian, commonly glossed as "snake-eater", a reference to folk belief rather than its actual diet.