Astore Markhor hunting permit fetches record $370,000 in GB Trophy Auction

GILGIT: A hunting permit for the rare Astore markhor has been sold for a record $370,000 during the annual trophy hunting auction organised by the Gilgit-Baltistan Wildlife and Parks Department for the 2025–26 hunting season.

The high-value bid was placed by Raja Farhad Maqpoon, owner of Shikar Safari, securing the hunting rights in the Nanga Parbat conservancy area.

Three additional Astore markhor permits were sold at $286,000, $270,000, and $240,000, respectively.

Held at the Forest, Parks and Wildlife Complex in Gilgit on Wednesday, the auction saw permits issued for 118 animals, including: 4 Astore markhors, 100 Himalayan ibex and14 Blue sheep.

The base price for an Astore markhor permit was increased this season to $200,000, reflecting a continued surge in international interest.

The highest bid for a Blue sheep permit was $40,000, placed by Muhammad Ali Nagri of Markhor Safaris, who also secured a Himalayan ibex permit for $13,000.

Base prices for Blue sheep and Himalayan ibex were set at $30,000 and $10,000, respectively.

Gilgit-Baltistan’s trophy hunting programme operates on a community-based conservation model, with 80% of revenues directed back to local communities for wildlife conservation and development initiatives.

The model has been credited with improving population numbers of endangered species, including the Astore markhor.

However, conservation stakeholders have raised concerns that steep price increases may risk the long-term sustainability of the programme by potentially discouraging participation or shifting focus from conservation to commercial gain.