Capricornis swinhoei, Gray, 1862

Don E. Wilson & Russell A. Mittermeier, 2011, Bovidae, Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 2 Hoofed Mammals, Barcelona: Lynx Edicions, pp. 444-779 : 704-705

226.

Formosan Serow

Capricornis swinhoei

French: Serow de Taiwan / German: Formosa-Serau / Spanish: Sirao de Formosa

Taxonomy. Capricornus [sic] swinhoei Gray, 1862 ,

Formosa.

Closely related to the Japanese Serow ( C. crispus ) but molecular genetic data indicate C. swinhoei 1s a separate species. Monotypic.

Distribution. Taiwan.

Descriptive notes. Head—body 80-114 cm, tail 7-12 cm, shoulder height 50-65 cm; weight 18-30 kg. Horn length 15-26 cm. Body color of the Formosan Serow is brown to dark brown, and legs are noticeably darker than body; it lacks a mane. Chin, throat, and posterior jaw pale yellowish to reddish brown. Diploid chromosome numberis 50.

Habitat. Occurs at elevations of 200-3870 m, with most populations higher than 1000 m because of human encroachment. The Formosan Serow is principally found in steep, mountainous terrain in coniferous and mixed deciduous forests, but also in disturbed and early succession forests.

Food and Feeding. The Formosan Serow is principally a browser, but grasses and forbs are important seasonally.

Breeding. In captivity, mating occurs in September-December and births occur in March—July. Gestation is about 210 days. Weight of a neonate was about 1-3 kg.

Activity patterns. Diurnal and nocturnal, but principally diurnal.

Movements, Home range and Social organization. The social system of the Formosan Serow is probably similar to those of the Japanese Serow, which is basically solitary or found in small groups of up to four individuals. It scent-marks with preorbital glands. Other aspects are unknown.

Status and Conservation. Classified as Least Concern on The IUCN Red List. Ecological and human impact studies are needed. Regional population status is unknown. Greatest concern is the continued degradation and fragmentation of native forests, and agricultural encroachment and related human activities.

Bibliography. Chiang & Pei (2008), Groves & Grubb (2011), Lue Kuang Yang (1987, 1997), Min Mi-Sook et al. (2004), Pao-Chung (1987), Smith & Xie (2008).

Figures

220. Sumatran Serow (Capricornis sumatraensis), 221. Himalayan Serow (Capricornis thar), 222. White-maned Serow (Capricornis milneedwardsi), 223. Indochinese Serow (Capricornis maritimus), 224. Burmese Red Serow (Capricornis rubidus), 225. Japanese Serow (Capricornis crispus), 226. Formosan Serow (Capricornis swinhoei), 227. Muskox (Ovibos moschatus)

Distribution. Taiwan .