Context:
The mainland serow was recently recorded at 96 metres above the mean sea level in western Assam’s Raimona National Park.
Mainland Serow:
- A mammal that appears somewhere between a goat and an antelope
- Habitat –
- Areas at altitudes of 200-3000 metres
- Across the India-Bhutan border in Phibsoo Wildlife Sanctuary and the Royal Manas National Park in the Himalayan country.
- Distribution – From the Himalayan belt to southern China and Sumatra.
- 3 species – Japanese serow, red serow and Taiwan or Formosan serow.
- Natural home – Bhutan
- Characteristics –
- Horns – only characteristic of the males
- Active in mid-afternoon and late night
- Protection Status –
- CITES Appendix I
- Vulnerable (VU) in the IUCN red list
- Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
Himalayan serow is a sub species of mainland serow. It inhabits hilly forests above an elevation of 300 m, but descends to 100 m in winter.
Raimona National Park:
- State – Assam
- Together with Phibsoo Wildlife Sanctuary of Bhutan and Buxa Tiger Reserve of West Bengal forms a large trans-boundary conservation landscape.
- Famous for golden langur – an endemic species (with Bhutan) which has been named as the mascot of Bodoland region.
- Major river – Sankosh River
- 6 Other National Parks in Assam –
- Kaziranga National Park
- Manas National Park
- Dibru – Saikhowa National Park
- Nameri National Park
- Orang National Park and Tiger Reserve (ONPTR)
- Dehing Patkai National Park
Source: The Hindu
Previous Year Question
Consider the following statements:
1. Lions do not have a particular breeding season.
2. Unlike most other big cats, cheetahs do not roar.
3. Unlike male lions, male leopards do not proclaim their territory by scent marking.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2024 Prelims]
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a)
Explanation:
Statement 3 is not correct: Leopards are territorial and mark their territory with faeces, urine and cheek-rubbing on trees. They can also leave scrape markings on the ground, trees or logs. This communicates to other leopards passing through that the territory they are in is occupied.
