Species In News: Himalayan Serow

In News: The Himalayan serow has been spotted for the first time in Assam.

About the species

• It has been described as resembling a cross between a goat, a donkey, a cow, and a pig.
• It’s a medium-sized mammal with a large head, thick neck, short limbs, long, mule-like ears, and a coat of dark hair.
• There are several species of serows, and all of them are found in Asia.
• They are herbivores.
• Habitat: Typically found at altitudes between 2,000 metres and 4,000 metres (6,500 to 13,000 feet).
  • The Himalayan serow, or Capricornis sumatraensis thar, is restricted to the Himalayan region.
    • They are known to be found in the eastern, central, and western Himalayas, but not in the Trans Himalayan region.
• Taxonomically, it is a subspecies of the mainland serow (Capricornis sumatraensis).
• Conservation Status:
  • IUCN Red List: Vulnerable
  • CITES Appendix I
  • The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I
• Threats:
  • Loss of habitat
  • The decline in population size
  • The decline in natural range size

Source :TH