Ans. The snow leopard controls the markhor population, which helps maintain a balanced and healthy mountain environment by preventing overgrazing and ensuring ecological stability.
Ans. The snow leopard has fur-covered paws for traction on snow and a long tail for balance, while the markhor has specialized hooves for climbing steep terrain and a seasonal coat that provides insulation in winter and cooling in summer.
Ans. Trophy hunting can generate funds for wildlife protection and local communities, but it poses risks to animal populations if not strictly regulated and scientifically managed.
Ans. If either species disappeared, it would disrupt the ecosystem balance, potentially leading to overgrazing by markhor (if snow leopards were gone) or loss of a key prey species (if markhor were gone), resulting in plant depletion and soil erosion.
Ans. Poaching and habitat destruction reduce populations of both species and disrupt the natural predator-prey balance, leading to ecological instability in mountain ecosystems.
Ans. The markhor has specially adapted hooves for gripping rocky cliffs and a coat that provides warmth in winter while remaining cool in summer, making it well-suited for mountainous terrain.
Ans. Increasing education programs, launching social media campaigns, and organizing local community events can effectively raise awareness about the importance of protecting these endangered species.
Ans. It enhanced understanding of how these animals are specially adapted to mountain life and highlighted the critical importance of their protection for maintaining ecosystem health and balance.
