Context:
Recently, a Himalayan serow was spotted in the central part of Nameri National Park and Tiger Reserve.
Relevance:
GS III: Species in News
Dimensions of the Article:
- Himalayan Serow
- Key Facts About Nameri Tiger Reserve
Himalayan Serow
Physical Description:
- The Himalayan serow resembles a mix between a goat, donkey, cow, and pig.
Species Variants:
- There are several species of serows, all native to Asia.
- The Himalayan serow (Capricornis sumatraensis thar) is exclusive to the Himalayan region and is a subspecies of the mainland serow (Capricornis sumatraensis).
Dietary Habits:
- Himalayan serows are herbivores.
Habitat and Distribution:
- Typically found at altitudes ranging from 2,000 to 4,000 meters (6,500 to 13,000 feet).
- They inhabit the eastern, central, and western Himalayas but are absent from the Trans-Himalayan region.
Conservation Status:
- Listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.
- Included in Appendix I of CITES.
- Protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
Key Facts About Nameri Tiger Reserve
Location:
- Situated in the northern part of the Sonitpur district of Assam, along the foothills of Arunachal Pradesh.
Geographical Boundaries:
- Nameri National Park forms the core of the reserve, bordered by the Jia-Bhoreli River to the west and the Bor-Dikorai River to the east.
- The Pakke Tiger Reserve in Arunachal Pradesh lies to the north, creating a contiguous habitat.
Flora:
- The reserve is characterized by tropical evergreen, semi-evergreen, and moist deciduous forests, interspersed with cane brakes and narrow grassland strips along rivers.
Fauna:
- Notable for the presence of the white-winged wood duck.
- Hosts a variety of species including the leopard cat, common otter, black giant squirrel, Indian mongoose, large-clawed shrew, Indian flying fox, slow loris, Assamese macaque, and rhesus macaque.
-Source: The Hindu
