A permit to hunt the rare Astore Markhor has been sold for nearly Rs. 10 crore in Gilgit-Baltistan, highlighting the strong demand for trophy hunting opportunities under the region’s regulated wildlife programme.
The permit fetched approximately Rs. 9.95 crore during the 2026-27 trophy hunting auction conducted by the Gilgit-Baltistan Department of Wildlife and Parks. The winning bid was among the highest recorded for a Markhor hunting permit in the region.
A total of three Astore Markhor permits were offered in the auction, with the remaining permits also receiving significant bids from interested hunters. In addition to the Markhor permits, authorities auctioned hunting licenses for blue sheep and Himalayan ibex as part of the annual programme.
Officials estimate that the trophy hunting initiative will generate around Rs. 650 million in revenue during the current hunting season. The season is expected to begin on October 15, 2026, and continue until April 10, 2027.
The trophy hunting programme is designed to regulate hunting activities while generating funds for wildlife conservation and management. Under the system, only a limited number of permits are issued each year, helping authorities monitor wildlife populations and maintain conservation efforts.
The impressive bid for the Astore Markhor permit has once again drawn attention to the economic value of Gilgit-Baltistan’s unique wildlife resources. Conservation officials believe that revenue generated through these auctions can play an important role in supporting habitat protection, wildlife monitoring, and community-based conservation projects across the region.
Authorities say the funds collected from the programme will contribute to ongoing efforts aimed at preserving biodiversity and ensuring the sustainable management of wildlife in Gilgit-Baltistan.
0 Comments