How Big Is a Markhor? Size, Weight and Those Giant Corkscrew Horns

If you have ever wondered just how big the markhor really is, the short answer is: bigger than any other wild goat on the planet. But the numbers behind that claim — and the horns that go with them — are worth a closer look. Here is the full size picture for this spectacular mountain goat.

How tall and long is a markhor?

Markhor have a head-and-body length of roughly 132–186 cm and stand about 65–115 cm at the shoulder. That puts a large male at around waist-to-chest height on a person — substantial for a goat, and well suited to the steep terrain it calls home.

How much does a markhor weigh?

There is a big gap between the sexes. Males typically weigh around 80–110 kg, while the smaller females weigh roughly 32–50 kg. That difference helps males compete during the winter rut, when they clash horns to win mates.

How long are a markhor's horns?

The horns are the markhor's signature feature. In mature males the spiralling, corkscrew-shaped horns can reach about 160 cm — longer than many adult humans are tall. Females also grow horns, but theirs are far shorter, up to around 25 cm. The horns are used for fighting rivals, not for attacking people.

Why is the markhor the largest wild goat?

Across the genus Capra, the markhor stands out for its combination of body mass and horn size. Its bulk and powerful build let it survive harsh mountain winters between roughly 600 and 3,600 metres, where it moves up and down the slopes with the seasons.

How does its size help it survive?

A heavy, muscular body and broad, rubbery-soled hooves let the markhor cross cliffs that deter predators, while its size makes it an important prey animal for the snow leopard. That ecological role is one reason its recovery matters beyond the species itself — and why WARN's local partners in Pakistan focus on keeping mountain wildlife protected. If that work speaks to you, you can support it here.