The Sumatran serow (''Capricornis sumatraensis sumatraensis''), also known as the southern serow, is a subspecies of the mainland serow native to mountain forests in the Thai-Malay Peninsula and on the

Indonesia Indonesia, officially the Republic of Indonesia, is a country in Southeast Asia and Oceania, between the Indian Ocean, Indian and Pacific Ocean, Pacific oceans. Comprising over List of islands of Indonesia, 17,000 islands, including Sumatra, ...

n island of

Sumatra Sumatra () is one of the Sunda Islands of western Indonesia. It is the largest island that is fully within Indonesian territory, as well as the list of islands by area, sixth-largest island in the world at 482,286.55 km2 (182,812 mi. ...

. It was previously considered its own species, but is now grouped under the mainland serow (''Capricornis sumatraensis''), as all the mainland species of serow ( Chinese,

red Red is the color at the long wavelength end of the visible spectrum of light, next to orange and opposite violet. It has a dominant wavelength of approximately 625–750 nanometres. It is a primary color in the RGB color model and a seconda ...

and Himalayan) were previously considered

subspecies In Taxonomy (biology), biological classification, subspecies (: subspecies) is a rank below species, used for populations that live in different areas and vary in size, shape, or other physical characteristics (Morphology (biology), morpholog ...

of this species. The Sumatran serow is threatened due to

habitat loss Habitat destruction (also termed habitat loss or habitat reduction) occurs when a natural habitat is no longer able to support its native species. The organisms once living there have either moved elsewhere, or are dead, leading to a decrease ...

and hunting, leading to it being evaluated as vulnerable by the

IUCN The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is an international organization working in the field of nature conservation and sustainable use of natural resources. Founded in 1948, IUCN has become the global authority on the status ...

. The Sumatran serow (''Capricornis sumatraensis'') is a species of wild goat-antelope native to the island of Sumatra in Indonesia. This elusive mammal is typically found in mountainous forests and steep terrains, where it can easily navigate rocky landscapes due to its strong hooves and agile nature.

Physical characteristics

The Sumatran serow has a stocky build, standing about 85-94 cm tall at the shoulder. It has coarse, dark fur, ranging from black to grayish, which helps it blend into the forest undergrowth. Both males and females have backward-curving horns, which are relatively short but thick.

Distribution and habitat

The Sumatran serow (Capricornis sumatraensis) is found throughout Southeast Asia, including the island of Sumatra, the Malay Peninsula, southern Thailand, and parts of Myanmar. It inhabits rugged, forested, and mountainous terrains, often in remote and rocky areas. Due to habitat loss and fragmentation, its populations are sparse and scattered, making it a vulnerable species across its range.

Behavior and diet

The serow is primarily a solitary animal, although it may occasionally be seen in small groups. Its diet consists of grasses, leaves, fruits, and shrubs, making it an herbivore adapted to the varied vegetation found in its habitat.

Threats

The Sumatran serow (Capricornis sumatraensis) faces severe threats from illegal hunting and trade across Southeast Asia, driven by demand for its meat, traditional medicine, and trophies. Poached from remote mountainous regions, its parts are trafficked across borders through organized wildlife networks. Weak enforcement, porous borders, and high demand exacerbate the issue, leading to population declines and biodiversity loss. Efforts to combat this illegal trade include stronger laws, international cooperation, and public awareness campaigns, though challenges persist in effectively curbing this wildlife crime.

Conservation status

The Sumatran serow is classified as ''Vulnerable'' by the IUCN due to habitat loss, poaching, and deforestation, which threaten its population. It is also hunted for its meat and traditional medicine use. Conservation efforts are ongoing, with a focus on protecting its natural habitat in Sumatra's forests and implementing anti-poaching measures. The Sumatran serow remains one of Southeast Asia's lesser-known, yet fascinating, species that is vital to the biodiversity of the region's ecosystems.

References

External links

SUMATRAN SEROW Capricornis sumatraensis sumatraensis (Bechstein, 1799)
{{DEFAULTSORT:serow, Sumatran Sumatran serow Fauna of Sumatra Vulnerable fauna of Asia Sumatran serow