The International Day of the Markhor is observed worldwide every May 24 and is dedicated to the markhor, a large wild goat species native to the mountainous regions of Central and South Asia, including Afghanistan, India, Pakistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan. The name "markhor" is believed to derive from a Persian phrase meaning "snake eater," referencing either its ability to kill snakes or its corkscrew-shaped horns. This day was designated by the UN General Assembly in 2024 to emphasize the markhor's ecological and economic importance, as it plays a crucial role in regulating plant growth and supporting key predators in its ecosystem. The markhor is also significant for local economies through ecotourism and regulated trophy hunting, which benefits community-based conservation efforts. However, the species faces threats from illegal hunting, habitat loss, and climate change, making its protection vital for both ecological balance and economic sustainability.