About the Species:
- Himalayan serow is a subspecies of the mainland serow (Capricornis sumatraensis). It resembles a cross between a goat, a donkey, a cow, and a pig.
Conservation Status of Himalayan Serow:
- IUCN Red List: Vulnerable
- CITES: Appendix I
- The Wildlife Protection Act,1972: Schedule I
Habitat: They are found at high altitudes between 2,000 metres and 4,000 metres. They are known to be found in the eastern, central, and western Himalayas but not in the Trans Himalayan region.
Distribution: There are several species of serows in the world. All of them are found in Asia. However, the Himalayan serow is restricted to the Himalayan region.
Characteristics:
- It’s a medium-sized mammal with a large head, thick neck, short limbs, long, mule-like ears, and a coat of dark hair. It is a very elusive animal.
- Food Habits: Himalayan serows are herbivores animals.
Significance of the sighting of Himalayan Serow:
- Himalayan serow has been spotted for the first time in the Manas tiger reserve or anywhere else in Assam. However, this does not mean the animal never visited Assam forests before.
- The sightings of these rare animals and birds are due to better access to remote parts of the protected area.
- According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Himalayan serows have experienced significant declines in population size, range size, and habitat in the last decade. This decline is expected to continue due to intensive human impact.
