Species in news: Himalayan Serow
Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III – Biodiversity
In news
- A Himalayan serow has been sighted for the first time in the Himalayan cold desert region of Spiti, Himachal Pradesh.
- Wildlife officials believe this particular animal may have strayed into the Spiti valley from the Rupi Bhaba Wildlife Sanctuary, HP
Important value addition
Himalayan serow
- Scientific name: The Himalayan serow, or Capricornis sumatraensis thar
- It is a subspecies of the mainland serow (Capricornis sumatraensis).
- It resembles 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.
- Himalayan serows are typically found at altitudes between 2,000 metres and 4,000 metres.
- They are known to be found in eastern, central, and western Himalayas, but not in the Trans Himalayan region.
- It is herbivores.
- IUCN Red List status: Vulnerable
- It is listed under Schedule I of The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, which provides absolute protection.
