First wild goat observed after a century in Turkey’s southeast killed by poachers

KAHRAMANMARAŞ

Wild goat species bezoar ibex, which was observed in a southeastern Turkish town for the first time in a century, has been killed by poachers.

Also known as the Anatolian bezoar ibex, the species possess the world’s longest horns in relation to body weight. Bezoars average about 60 kg (140 pounds) and their horns can grow as long as 1.5 m. 

Found in the mountains of Anatolia and across the Middle East since the ancient ages, the bezoar ibex has always been a popular trophy hunt target.

Turkey had banned the hunting of the endangered species, which had not been observed in the past century in the southeastern province of Kahramanmaraş’s Elbistan district where they had once flourished.

Local media reported Feb. 3 that an Anatolian bezoar ibex was observed for the first time in a century last week but it was killed by poachers.

The two poachers were issued 23,000 Turkish Liras as fine, according to Elbistan Gendarmerie Command’s anti-poaching department.