Markhors are herbivores with a varied dietary preference that includes a range of plant species. Their diet typically consists of:
1. **Grasses**: Markhors graze on grasses and other herbaceous plants, especially during the spring and summer when these food sources are abundant.
2. **Leaves**: They also feed on leaves of shrubs and trees, particularly in the absence of lush grasses.
3. **Fruits and Berries**: Markhors consume fruits and berries when available, contributing to the spread of seeds in their habitat.
4. **Vegetation Variety**: Their diet can vary depending on the season and local plant availability. They are known to select from a wide variety of plant species, which can include woody vegetation, herbs, and browse from shrubs.
Their dietary preferences are adapted to their mountainous habitats, where they need to find food at various elevations and during different times of the year. This adaptability in their diet allows them to make the most of the plant resources available in their challenging environments.