Murgab Hunting

Over the last 30 years, trophy hunting for the Siberian ibex has been conducted in Tajikistan, mainly in the Pamirs. Annually, between 50 and 100 trophies are obtained. Some of these trophies have been inspected and processed, primarily the horns and skin, as well as photographs of the hunted animals. Analysis of these materials indicates that there are two forms (subspecies) of the Siberian ibex living in Tajikistan: Capra sibirica alaiana and Capra sibirica sakeen. The habitat of Capra sibirica alaiana covers the territories of Central and Northern Tajikistan and is found in the southern ridges and Badakhshan.

The second subspecies, Capra sibirica sakeen, resides exclusively in the Pamir region (map 1). The habitats of both forms are clearly divided by the geographical boundary of Badakhshan and Eastern Pamir. Morphologically, they also differ in body coloration, and the shape and size of horns. Below is a description of the coloration of the two forms of Siberian ibex in Tajikistan. The coloration of the animals depends on sex, age, and season. Young individuals up to one year old are usually light gray with a slight brownish tinge, and the tail is dark brown. Females are typically uniform in color throughout the year, light brown, sometimes with a grayish tinge. Old females, over 12 years of age, acquire a yellowish-ochre coloration. On some females, a so-called "belt," a dark stripe along the spine, is clearly visible on the back.