What is in the news?

• The himalayan serow has been sighted for the first time in the Trans-Himalayan region at Spiti valley. 

What is a serow?

• They are herbivores resembling a cross between a goat, a donkey, a cow, and a pig.
• They are typically found at altitudes between 2,000 metres and 4,000 metres (6,500 to 13,000 feet). They are known to be found in eastern, central, and western Himalayas, but not in the Trans Himalayan region.
• The Himalayan serow is categorised as ‘vulnerable’ in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. It is listed under Schedule I of The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972

Reference:

1. https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/its-a-goat-its-a-pig-its-a-serow-explaining-an-unusual-sighting-in-the-spiti-cold-desert-7105007/