Mainland serow

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:

  1. It is a medium-sized mammal that that looks like a cross between a goat and an antelope.
  2. The natural home and habitat of the mainland serow is across the India-Bhutan border.
  3. 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:

  1. They build nests by making burrows in the ground.
  2. They store their food materials like nuts and seeds in the ground.
  3. They are omnivorous.

How many of the above statements are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d)None

Ans: (b)

Share this with friends ->