The rare Bukharan markhor, or Tadjik markhor (Capra falconeri heptneri) is an endangered goat-antelope, native to Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, possibly also Afghanistan. The markhor subspecies look similar but can be distinguished by their horns. Male markhors have a light brown to black coat while females have a redder color; both sexes have a thicker coat in the winter. The Markhor is the national animal of Pakistan. The Markhor is the largest of the goat family and is commonly found in the Northern Areas of Pakistan. The name Markhor translates to snake-eater in Persian, as the Markhor is skilled at killing snakes in the wild to protect its harem. The main difference between markhor and ibex is that markhor has tightly curled, corkscrew-like horns that close together at the head, but spread upwards toward the tips, whereas male ibex has large recurved horns, which are transversely ridged in front. Markhor and ibex are two species of the genus Capra.
