‘Mainland Serow’, an elusive mammal, spotted in Assam’s Raimona National Park

In a significant development for biodiversity conservation, there has been first photographic evidence of the ‘Mainland Serow,’ recorded in Assam’s Raimona National Park. It is a vulnerable mammal species recognised by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The picture was captured by forest officials and conservationists in collaboration. They used digital camera traps near the Ganda Bajrum Anti-poaching camp in the park’s western region to get the images.

It’s being called a huge discovery, documented twice by personnel from the forest department and members of the biodiversity group ‘Aaranyak’. Bhanu Sinha, Divisional Forest Officer of the Kachugaon Forest Division, was happy with the finding. He said the park’s role in conserving the Mainland Serow and its broader wildlife diversity has been commendable.

The animal is scientifically known as Capricornis sumatraensis thar. It can also be found in nearby regions such as the Phibsoo Wildlife Sanctuary and Bhutan’s Royal Manas National Park, suggesting potential cross-boundary conservation benefits.

The discovery emphasises on the rich biodiversity of Raimona National Park. M. Firoz Ahmed, a senior scientist at Aaranyak also highlighted the Mainland Serow’s extensive habitat range, from the Himalayas to Sumatra. He also stressed the urgent need for conservation due to fragmented populations and threats like poaching and habitat loss.

More about Raimona National Park

Raimona National Park, situated in Assam’s Kokrajhar district, got its status as a national park on June 5, 2021. The declaration was made by Assam’s Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma during the World Environment Day celebrations at Gandhi Mandap in Guwahati. The park is a biodiversity hotspot renowned for its rich flora and fauna. It spans an area of diverse landscapes, including tropical forests, grasslands, and wetlands.

The park is home to various endangered and vulnerable species, including the recently documented Mainland Serow. It is also renowned for the golden langur, an endemic species also designated as the mascot of the Bodoland region, shared with Bhutan.

Managed by the Assam Forest Department, Raimona plays an important role in wildlife conservation efforts, aiming to protect its unique biodiversity and natural habitats. Visitors to the park can experience its scenic beauty, engage in ecotourism activities, and contribute to ongoing conservation initiatives.

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