Extinct Himalayan Serow spotted in Spiti Valley

Extinct Himalayan Serow was spotted in the cold deserts of the Spiti valley in Himachal Pradesh.

Daily Current Affairs Quiz 2020

Key-Points

The Himalayan serow, or Capricornis sumatraensis thar, 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.

Previously assessed as ‘near threatened’, 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.