studies have shown considerable success with regards to the conservation approach. The approach began in the 1900s when a local hunter was convinced by a hunting tourist to stop poaching markhors. The local hunter established a conservancy that inspired two other local organizations called Morkhur and Muhofiz. The two organizations expect that their conversations will not only protect, but allow them to sustainably exploit the markhor species. This approach has been effective compared to the protection of lands that lack enforcement and security. In India, the markhor is a fully protected (Schedule I) species under Jammu and Kashmir's Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1978. In culture The markhor is the national animal of Pakistan. It was one of the 72 animals featured on the World Wide Fund for Nature Conservation Coin Collection in 1976. Markhor marionettes are used in the Afghan puppet shows known as buz-baz. The markhor has also been mentioned in a Pakistani computer-animated film known as Allahyar and the Legend of Markhor. Etymology The name is thought to be derived from Persian — a conjunction of (, "snake, serpent") and the suffix (, "-eater"), interpreted to represent the animal's alleged ability to kill snakes, or as a reference to its corkscrew-like horns, which are somewhat reminiscent of coiling snakes. In folklore the markhor is believed to kill and eat serpents. Thereafter, while chewing the cud, a foam-like substance comes out of its mouth that drops on the ground and dries. This foam-like substance is sought after by the local people, who believe it is useful in extracting the poison from snakebites. Local names Balti: Dogra (Dogri): Phau Persian, Pashto: Hindi, Urdu, Punjabi, and Kashmiri: Ladakhi: (male) and (female) Burushaski: (Markhor), (male), (female) Shina: , (male) and (female) Brahui: (male) and (female) Balochi: (male) and (female) Wakhi: (male) and (female) Khowar/Chitrali: (male) and (female) References External links Markhor Pakistan National Animal Capra (genus) Fauna of the Himalayas Mammals of Asia Mammals of Pakistan National symbols of Pakistan Mammals described in 1839