Prelims: Current events of national and international importance | Environment
Why in News?
Recently, the elusive Himalayan serow (Capricornis thar) was recorded in the Dalhousie Forest division after nearly 20 years.
- Location – Dalhousie catchment forests bordering Kalatop‑Khajjiar Wildlife Sanctuary.
- First Authenticated Evidence – Confirms species presence after decades; locals had reported sightings earlier without proof.
- Ecological Role – Occasional prey for snow leopard; indicator of biodiversity health.
- Conservation Value – Species was believed to have disappeared from Dhaula Dhar range; rediscovery highlights ecological importance of Dalhousie forests.
- Biodiversity Records – Strengthens faunal inventory of western Himalayas.
Species Profile
- Scientific Name – Capricornis thar
- Diet – Herbivores
- Nature – Shy, solitary, forest‑dwelling mountain ungulate.
- Habitat – Steep Himalayan terrain, dense forests.
- IUCN Status – Near Threatened due to habitat degradation, fragmentation, and hunting pressure.
- WPI status – Under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972,
Reference
Times of India | Himalayan Serow
