Tanuj Pandey/ Nainital: GB Pant High Altitude Zoo is located in Nainital, Devbhoomi Uttarakhand. Many wildlife of different species are kept here. Tourists from all over the world come to Nainital to see them. Although there are many tourist places located in Nainital. But the High Altitude Zoo of Nainital is very special due to the various types of wildlife present here. Many such animals are also kept here which are famous not only in India but also in our neighboring countries. Today we are going to tell you about the national animal of neighboring country Pakistan, Markhor, present in the Nainital Zoo. A pair of Markhor has been kept in the zoo. Which also attracts tourists a lot.
It is worth noting that Markhor is a Persian word which means “snake eater” or “snake killer.” Folklore says that this animal is allegedly capable of killing snakes with its spiral horns and then eating them. According to experts, it helps in removing poison from snakebite. Although there is no evidence of Markhor eating snakes or killing them with its horns. But there is definitely a truth
Markhor is a mountain goat
During a special conversation with Local 18, Nainital Zoo’s biologist Anuj said that Markhor is the national animal of Pakistan as well as a high terrestrial mountain goat. It is found in the high Himalayan regions. He told that from time to time the zoo runs an animal exchange program with Darjeeling Zoo. In the year 2014, a pair of Markhor was brought here from Darjeeling. But then the female Markhor died. After that, just a few days ago, a female Markhor has been brought to Nainital from Darjeeling Zoo under the exchange program.
Snake is your favorite food
Anuj told that Markhor is a goat species. It is found in the forests of Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the high Himalayan regions of India. Wherever the Markhor sees a snake, it kills it with its powerful hooves. Sometimes it also uses its curved strong horns to kill the snake. It is believed that snakes are not seen where Markhor lives. Snakes are also the favorite food of the Markhor. They are mostly seen in the dense forests of deodar.
Tags: Local18, nainital news, OMG News, uttarakhand news
FIRST PUBLISHED : May 27, 2024, 13:46 IST
