This was reported by the regional Ecology Department.
It was reported that on July 5, during a raid conducted in the "Khatak" section of the "Surkhan" State Reserve, in the "Oltikunlik" massif, an illegal hunting case was identified. It was discovered that two horned markhor goats (Capra falconeri), listed in the Red Book, had been hunted.
During the raid, three citizens moving armed within the reserve territory aroused suspicion, and their movements were monitored. Despite moving through rocky and steep slopes, they were placed under surveillance using binoculars and mobile devices, and their actions were documented.
During the surveillance, the violators were caught in the act of hunting markhor. The remains of the animal were sent for forensic zoological examination at Termez State University, where it was confirmed that they belonged to male and female markhors aged around one and three years.
This incident was committed by Kh.Sh. and Sh.Zh., residents of the "Katta Hayot" neighborhood in Sherobod district, as well as V.M., a resident of the "Vandob" neighborhood.
The markhor (Capra falconeri) is considered a rare animal species protected under international standards. Hunting them leads to liability under the Criminal Code of Uzbekistan.
In accordance with the President's decree dated May 31, 2023, fines for illegally hunting animals listed in the Red Book are increased tenfold. As a result, the damage caused to the state in this case is estimated at 4.5 billion soums.
Currently, documents related to the case have been submitted to the relevant law enforcement agencies, and investigative actions are being carried out pending further inquiry.
