Capricornis sumatraensis (Bechstein, 1799)

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 : 703

220.

Sumatran Serow

Capricornis sumatraensis

French: Serow de Sumatra / German: Sumatra-Serau / Spanish: Sirao de Sumatra

Other common names: Southern Serow

Taxonomy. Antilope sumatraensis Bechstein, 1799 ,

Sumatra.

This species is monotypic.

Distribution. Hilly areas of W & N Sumatra and the Malay Peninsula, probably as far N as the Kra Isthmus.

Descriptive notes. Head-body 140-155 cm, tail 11-16 cm, shoulder height c.85-94 cm, ear 17-21 cm; weight 85-140 kg. Male horns up to 28 cm. Sumatran Serows have a large preorbital gland. The legs and body are dark black withrion’ black to whitish or reddish mane and creamy white tips. The diploid chromosome numberis 46 in Sumatran specimens.

Habitat. Sumatran Serows are found from sea level to 600 m in steep, rugged terrain, including rainforests. In Indonesia, they occur at elevations of 200-3000 m. In Thailand, they are found in precipitous limestone mountains and cliffs where trees and dense undergrowth remain, in locations inaccessible to humans.

Food and Feeding. Sumatran Serows are primarily browsers.

Breeding. Sumatran Serows mate in October-November; a single offspring, or rarely twins, are born 210 days later. Longevity in captivity is ten years.

Activity patterns. The Sumatran Serow is usually active in the early morning and late evening. They seek shelter in overhanging rocks and steep terrain in dense vegetation.

Movements, Home range and Social organization. Older males are considered solitary but detailed studies have not been conducted. In an area where populations were small and disjunct, density was 0-4 ind/km?®.

Status and Conservation. CITES Appendix I. Classified as Vulnerable on The IUCN Red List. No reliable current information is available. In Malaysia, the population was estimated at 500-750. Historically, habitats have been and continue to be degraded due to mining, deforestation for logging and agricultural development, resulting in removal and burning of vegetation, and illegal hunting and capture with snares. Populations have been relegated to small, isolated patches of suitable habitat in many areas.

Bibliography. Duckworth et al. (2008), Ellerman & Morrison-Scott (1966), Francis (2008), Groves & Grubb (1985, 2011), Grubb (2005), Lekagul & McNeely (1988), Lovari (1997), Rahman (1997), Santiapillai (1997).

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. Hilly areas of W & N Sumatra and the Malay Peninsula, probably as far N as the Kra Isthmus.