Serow  (Capricornis sumatraensis)

Belonging to a group known as the goat-antelopes, the serow is a rather small-bodied animal (4), with dark upperparts that vary in colour, and whitish underparts (2) (4). The hair of the coat is long and coarse, and a long mane of white, brown or black occurs on the neck (2) (4). Male and female serows are similar in appearance (4), with both bearing stout, slightly curved horns which can be used to defend themselves to deadly effect (2). The long ears are narrow and pointed, the face bears large scent glands below the eyes, and the tail is fairly bushy (2).

With a wide range in East Asia, the serow can be found from north-eastern India, Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh, east through Myanmar and central and southern China, south through Cambodia, Lao PDR, Vietnam, Thailand and Malaysia, to Indonesia (2).

Serows inhabit rugged mountains and rocky outcrops, covered with thick, moist vegetation or forest, up to an elevation of 2,700 metres (2) (4).

The serow is generally a solitary animal, although it may sometimes move about in groups of up to seven individuals (2). Each serow inhabits a small area which is well marked with trails, dung heaps, and scents (4). This small area of habitat is selected so it can provide all the needs of the serow, such as sufficient grass, shoots and leaves on which to feed on during the early morning and late evening, and suitable sheltered resting places in caves or under overhanging rocks and cliffs (2). This home range is defended against any intruding serows by using their dagger-like horns, which are also used by this rather aggressive goat-antelope to fight off predators (4), such as the snow leopard in Nepal (5).

Although less specialised for climbing rugged mountains than some of its relatives (4), and with a somewhat slow and clumsy gait, the serow is nevertheless adept at descending steep, rocky slopes (2), and is also even known to swim between small islands in Malaysia (2).

The serow is thought to mate primarily between October and November. The gestation period lasts for about seven months, with a single young usually born in the spring. Female serows usually reach sexual maturity at around 30 months, while males become sexually mature between 30 and 36 months of age (2).

Throughout its large range, the serow faces a number of significant and varied threats, the impact of each depending on location (6). The serow is heavily hunted for its meat and fur, as well as for other body parts which are believed to hold some medicinal value (2). Habitat destruction poses a considerable threat, with logging and clearance for agriculture greatly affecting the habitat of the serow in numerous areas, and mining may impact the habitat of populations in Malaysia (6). Other threats include the vast numbers of landmines in Cambodia, and avalanches in the mountainous land of Nepal which can cause a considerable number of deaths in serow populations during winters of heavy snowfall. In addition, serows can often become trapped in snares set for other animals (6). The serow subspecies of Bangladesh (C. s. rubidus) and peninsular Malaysia and Sumatra (C. s. sumatraensis) are particularly threatened, having been greatly reduced in numbers and distribution through habitat loss and excessive hunting (2).

The serow occurs in numerous protected areas throughout its large range (6), and is also listed on Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), meaning that international commercial trade in this species is prohibited (3). However, more specific conservation measures, particularly for the two Endangered subspecies (C. s. sumatraensis and C .s. rubidus) may be necessary for this species' long-term survival (6).

This information is awaiting authentication by a species expert, and will be updated as soon as possible. If you are able to help please contact:
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