The markhor is found in many habitats, from rugged mountains, where it moves easily, to dense high-altitude forests, where it finds most of its food. In winter, it descends to the plains, where weather conditions are less harsh and food is more abundant.

Females, accompanied by their young, form small groups, while males are solitary. During the breeding season, rival males will fight violently with their horns, and the winner will be able to join the herd and mate with the females.

In Persian, markhor means "snake eater", but this large goat is herbivorous! However, in Tajik (Iran), the name refers to the spiral shape of the horns, which resemble a snake's body. While the horns of females do not exceed 25 cm, those of males can measure up to one and a half metres. Their coat is dark grey and thickens in winter. Males, which are larger and heavier than females, have a black beard and long hair under their neck and chest.

The markhor is hunted for its meat and magnificent horns. Frequent armed conflicts threaten its habitat. After a sharp decline in its population, the establishment of protected areas and the fight against poaching have helped to halt its decline in the wild. In Pakistan, where it is the national animal, local people are encouraged to protect it. 

However, it remains a conservation concern and is the subject of a captive breeding programme.