HIMALAYAN SEROW

Subject: Environment

Context: A Himalayan serow has been sighted for the first time in the Himalayan cold desert region. The animal was spotted near Hurling village in Spiti, Himachal Pradesh.

Concept:

• The Himalayan serow, or Capricornis sumatraensis that, is a subspecies of the mainland serow (Capricornis sumatraensis).
• Himalayan serow 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 (6,500 to 13,000 feet).
• They are known to be found in eastern, central, and western Himalayas, but not in the Trans Himalayan region.
• They are herbivorous animal.

Conservation status:

• The Himalayan serow is now been categorised as ‘vulnerable’ in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
• It is listed under Schedule I of The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, which provides absolute protection.

Additional Information

• Serows are generally not found at this altitude, and never before has a serow been seen in the Himalayan cold desert.
• Wildlife officials believe this particular animal may have strayed into the Spiti valley from the RupiBhaba Wildlife Sanctuary in adjoining Kinnaur.