Taiwan Serau
| Taiwan Serau | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Taiwan Serau ( Capricornis swinhoei ) |
||||||||||||
| Systematics | ||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||
| Scientific name | ||||||||||||
| Capricornis swinhoei | ||||||||||||
| Gray , 1862 |
The Taiwan Serau ( Capricornis swinhoei ) is a cloven-hoofed species from the goat-like group (Caprinae). It is endemic to Taiwan , where it is the only naturally occurring horn carrier .
features
Taiwan seraues are the smallest serau . They reach a head body length of 80 to 115 centimeters, the tail is a short stub. The shoulder height is around 60 centimeters and the weight is around 30 kilograms. The fur is dark brown in color and an eel line extends along the back . Both sexes have horns that curve back and grow to be around six inches long.
Way of life
The Taiwan Seraue habitats are rocky mountain regions, but also forests. They mostly occur in regions between 1000 and 2000 meters above sea level, but can also rise to areas above 3000 meters above sea level. They are leisurely but skilful climbers who mainly look for food in the morning and evening. They eat grass, leaves and other plant material. They live mostly solitary, but there are also reports of small groups.
threat
Hunting for their meat and restricting their habitat used to lead to a significant decline in populations. Today the species is protected and relatively common in remote regions. The IUCN lists them as “not at risk” ( least concern ).
literature
- Ronald M. Nowak: Walker's Mammals of the World. Johns Hopkins University Press, 1999, ISBN 0-8018-5789-9
Web links
- Information on ultimateungulate.com
- Capricornis swinhoei onthe IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . Retrieved July 22, 2009.