The Sumatran serow, also known as Capricornis sumatraensis, is a ruminant mammal native to the island of Sumatra.
The mammal moves with ease across rocky crags and steep mountain slopes. Its natural range begins in hilly terrain at an elevation of two hundred meters. The species can also thrive on high mountain ridges up to three thousand meters above sea level.
The volcanic peaks of the Bukit Barisan range serve as the primary home for the Sumatran serow. Its largest population concentrations are in the Aceh highlands in the north. Other groups inhabit the Kerinci highlands in the central region and the southern Barisan mountains.
The Sumatran serow is a reclusive animal that avoids human contact. The mammal chooses remote, dense forests far from highways. It also stays clear of villages and active footpaths.
Physical Adaptations of a Skilled Climber
The Sumatran serow has a sturdy, muscular build. Its body is covered in coarse and dark fur. A thick white mane runs from the base of the skull down to the back. The dense coat protects the animal from cold winds and high humidity in the Sumatran mountains.
The head features a pair of short horns that curve backward. The horns are permanent and do not shed throughout their lifetime. Both adult males and females possess these protective horns.
Sturdy hooves help the animal climb steep terrain. The hoof structure grips wet rocks securely. It helps the mammal cross narrow ravines safely.
The Sumatran serow frequently rests under overhanging rocks and cliff ledges. The rocky alcoves offer shelter from heavy mountain rains. The high vantage point also keeps the animal safe from ground predators in the valley below.
Solitary Life on the Cliffs
The Sumatran serow lives a solitary life throughout the year. Each individual maintains its own range along the mountain slopes. The mammal guards its home range to keep other serows away.
Dung piles serve as territorial markers on the slopes. The scent keeps other serows from entering the range. That habit prevents overlapping territory on steep terrain.
The Sumatran serow is a browser that feeds primarily on foliage. Its natural diet consists of tender leaves and shrubs growing near ravines. The animal also feeds on wild herbs and shoots found in rock crevices. Most feeding takes place at dawn.
Breeding occurs from late October to November. After a seven-month pregnancy, the female gives birth to one kid. The young serow stays with its mother for up to a year.
Survival Threats
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies the Sumatran serow as Vulnerable. Wild populations continue to decline across their natural range. The main drivers of the drop are habitat loss and ongoing poaching.
Habitat destruction across Sumatra drives the decline of the species. Land clearing for farming and illegal logging shrink the forest cover. Old logging tracks also give hunters easier access into the deep forest.
Hunters trap or shoot the Sumatran serow for meat. Its horns are also cut off and illegally sold for traditional remedies.
The Indonesian government fully protects the Sumatran serow under the Minister of Environment and Forestry Regulation Number P.106 of 2018. The regulation strictly prohibits capturing, harming, killing, keeping, or trading the animal and any of its body parts.
Reference:
Phan, T. D., Nijman, V., & Duckworth, J. W. (2020). Capricornis sumatraensis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2020: e.T3812A111513256. https://doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-2.RLTS.T162916735A162916910.en
