Context: The mainland serow, has been recorded at the lowest elevation beyond Bhutan, its natural home.
About mainland serow:
- It is a mammal that appears somewhere between a goat and an antelope.
- It is a species of serow native to the Himalayas, Southeast Asia, China and Bhutan is the natural home and habitat. The serow is species of medium-sized goat-like or antelope-like mammals.
- The habitat is across the India-Bhutan border in Phibsoo Wildlife Sanctuary and the Royal Manas National Park in the Himalayan country.
- They are territorial and lives alone or in small groups.
- They are around 3 feet high at the shoulder and has a coat with bristly or coarse guard hairs that cover the layer of fur closest to its skin.
- Only male mainland serows have horns, which are light-colored, about 6 inches long, and curve slightly towards the animal’s back.
- According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, the mainland serow inhabits areas at altitudes of 200-3,000 metres.
- There are three other species of the animal: Japanese serow, red serow (found in eastern India, Bangladesh, and Myanmar), and Taiwan or Formosan serow.
- The mainland serow is classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN and is listed under Appendix I of CITES.
Practice Question:
With reference to the mainland serow, consider the following statements:
- It is a medium-sized mammal that that looks like a cross between a goat and an antelope.
- The natural home and habitat of the mainland serow is across the India-Bhutan border.
- They are highly social and often seen in large groups.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer (a)
Statement 1 and 2 are correct: It is a mammal that appears somewhere between a goat and an antelope. It is a species of serow native to the Himalayas, Southeast Asia, China and Bhutan is the natural home and habitat. The serow is species of medium-sized goat-like or antelope-like mammals.
Statement 3 is not correct: They are territorial and lives alone or in small groups
PYQ: (2023)
Q. Consider the following statements regarding the Indian squirrels:
- They build nests by making burrows in the ground.
- They store their food materials like nuts and seeds in the ground.
- They are omnivorous.
How many of the above statements are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d)None
Ans: (b)