 Capricornis
swinhoei
Formosan serow |
Taxonomy | Description
| Reproduction | Ecology
| Behavior | Distribution
| Conservation | Remarks
| Literature |
| Taxonomy
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Capricornis swinhoei [Gray, 1862].
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Citation: Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist., ser. 3, 10:320.
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Type locality: Taiwan
The taxonomic record (above) is taken from Wilson and Reeder (1993). The
serows, while often assigned to the genus Capricornis, were combined
into the genus Nemorhaedus (sometimes misspelled as
Naemorhedus) by Groves and Grubb (1985). The most recent taxonomic
revision (Wilson and Reeder, 2005), restituted Capricornis to a full
genus in its own right. The Formosan serow is recognised by some authors
to be a subspecies of the Japanese serow (Capricornis crispus), although
Groves and Grubb (1985) consider C. swinhoei to be a distinct species.
General Characteristics
Few specific body measurements have been made for Capricornis swinhoei.
While Nowak (1991) provides general sizes for Capricornis, numerous
reports state that the Formosan serow is the smallest member (Lue, 1987).
The head and body length of 80-114 cm given by Sheng Helin et al.
(1999) is corroborated with that provided by Ito (1987), but is not included
in the range reported by Nowak (1991). Likewise, shoulder heights do
not match, and the weight of 30 kg reported by Wang and Chen (1981)
is 20 kg less than the minimum average weight provided by Nowak (1991).
The measurements from Nowak (1991) are shown here merely to give
an idea of scale for the missing values until such time as more consistent
measurements are available.
Reported measurements for Formosan serow (Capricornis swinhoei) |
| Source |
Adult Weight |
Head & Body Length |
Shoulder Height
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Tail Length |
| Sheng Helin et al., 1999 |
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80-114 cm |
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| Ito, 1987 |
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85-92 cm |
60 cm |
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| Nowak, 1991 |
50-140 kg
For Capricornis |
140-180 cm
For Capricornis |
85-94 cm
For Capricornis |
8-16 cm
For Capricornis |
| Wang and Chen, 1981 |
30 kg |
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The pelage of C. swinhoei is soft, short, and curly (Groves and Grubb,
1985; Ito, 1987). Sheng Helin et al. (1999) stress that the
coat is not bushy, especially in comparison to the Japanese serow (C.
crispus). The overall body color is a dark brown to blackish brown
(Lue, 1987; Sheng Helin et al., 1999). The dorsal ridge is marked
with a black line (Sheng Helin et al., 1999). Unlike the mainland
serow (C. sumatraensis), there is no mane present on the nape of the
neck of C. swinhoei (Groves and Grubb, 1985). The tail
is very short (Sheng Helin et al., 1999)
The only conspicuous markings are on the upper neck region. The chin,
throat and back of neck have brownish yellow to light brown spots, with the
large square throat "bib" just under the jowls being the most prominent (Lue,
1987; Sheng Helin et al., 1999). The ears are large (Ito, 1987).
A pair of suborbital (or preorbital) glands is present in front of
the eyes, a characteristic which distinguishes the serows (genus
Capricornis) from the gorals (genus Nemorhaedus) (Groves and
Grubb, 1985; Ito, 1987). A diagnostic skull characteristic of this
species is the large, highly trenchant ridge on the upper edge of the lacrimal
fossa (Groves and Grubb, 1985).
Both sexes possess sharp horns that curve slightly backwards (Sheng Helin
et al., 1999). Although no lengths specifically for C.
swinhoei have been reported, Nowak (1991) described the horns of
Capricornis as being 15.2-25.5 cm in length, with narrow transverse
ridges on the basal three-quarters. Due to the small relative size
of C. swinhoei, the horns are likely at the lower end of this range
of lengths.
Ontogeny and Reproduction
The little information about the reproductive biology of this species is
provided by Chen (1987). Mating occurs primarily between September
and December, coinciding with a reduced photoperiod and cooler temperatures
in Taiwan. A single lamb is born after a gestation of about 210 days,
with all known (captive) births occurring at night. The weight at birth
is approximately 1.3 kg, and the young can stand and walk the same day it
is born. The mother immediately eats the placenta once it is passed.
Young Formosan serows begin to feed on grasses and other solid foods
after one month. One female was first bred at 16 months of age.
Ecology
The Formosan serow inhabits steep, rugged rock faces of Taiwan's mountains,
but is also found in coniferous and mixed deciduous forests (Lue,
1987; Sheng Helin et al., 1999). Scat have been found in
alpine grasslands dominated by Yushania niitakaymensis, in forests
with Juniperus formosana, Juniperus squamata, Tsuga
chinensis, and Abies kawakamii, and on cliff-tops (Lue, 1987).
The Formosan serow appears to be primarily solitary, although captive groups
with up to eight animals have been maintained (Chen, 1987; Sheng Helin et
al., 1999). Within a large captive group, a specific dominance
hierarchy was formed among the individuals (Chen, 1987). C.
swinhoei is most active in early morning and at night (Sheng Helin et
al., 1999). Among recently captured individuals at the Taipei Zoo
in Taiwan, most of the food provided was consumed in the evening and at night
(Wang and Chen, 1981). Individuals utilize specific defecation middens
are used (Chen, 1987).
No native predators of C. swinhoei remain on Taiwan, although the
clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa) may have been a prime predator
in forests prior to its extirpation (Lue, 1987). The Formosan serow
may compete with Formosan sambar (Cervus unicolor swinhoei) and Formosan
muntjac (Muntiacus reevesi micrurus), the two other large herbivores
on Taiwan, although the effects of these interactions have yet to be assessed
(Lue, 1987).
The Formosan serow browses on juvenile parts of conifers and feeds on grasses
and shrubs growing on disturbed slopes in the early stages of succession
(McCullough in Lue, 1987; Lue, 1987). From interviews with aborigines,
Lue (1987) reported that preferred food plants include Urtica fissa,
Elatostema edule, Anisogonium esculentum, Begonia
laciniata, Polygonum chinensis, Chamabainia cuspidata,
Mussaenda parviflora, Perrottetia arisanensis, and Pellionia
arisanensis. Although poisonous, Urtica fissa does not seem
to harm Formosan serows (Lue, 1987). On the diet fed at the Taipei
Zoo, consisting of pellets, carrots, fresh Napier grass, and soybean curd
pomace, each animal ate approximately 2.3 kg per day, amounting to a daily
intake of 1,940 kcal (Wang and Chen, 1981).
Behavior
Several captive individuals have been observed rubbing trees and other vertical
structures with their preorbital glands and horns (Chen, 1987). This
marking behaviour was closely related to social rank, with the most dominant
individuals marking the most frequently (Chen, 1987). In the wild,
this behavior is likely used for delineating territories (Chen, 1987).
When irritated, Formosan serow will stamp their forelegs with both forefeet,
and action they also do as a warning (Wang and Chen, 1981; Chen, 1987). A
shrill alarm call may accompany the stamping, sounding like a mixture between
a whistle and a scream (Wang and Chen, 1981). Formosan serow are excellent
climber and strong jumpers, easily clearing obstacles 2 meters in height
(Wang and Chen, 1981). If pressed, Formosan serows will climb trees,
and at the Taipei Zoo have been seen in branches up to 3 meters high (Chen,
1987).
During courtship, the male will pursue the female, gently touching her with
his horns or using his front legs to intermittently touch the female's belly
and hips (Chen, 1987). Aggressive encounters involve individuals facing
each other with horns lowered (Chen, 1987).
Genetics
The Formosan serow has a karyotype of 2n = 60 (Lue, 1987)..
Distribution
C. swinhoei is endemic to Taiwan (Lue, 1987). This species is
known from 11 of 16 counties in Taiwan: Taipei, Ilan, Hualien, Hsinchu, Taichung,
Nantou, Chia-I, Tainan, Kaohsiung, Ping-tung, and Tai-tung (Lue, 1987). It
inhabits altitudes of 400 to 3,870 meters above sea level, but is most common
between 1,000 and 2,000 meters (Lue, 1987).
Countries: Taiwan, Province of China (IUCN, 2002).
Range Map (Localities redrawn from Lue, 1987)
Conservation Status
The Formosan serow is classified as vulnerable (Criteria: A2cd) by the IUCN
(2002), but is not listed by CITES. Populations have always been small,
but with increased exploitation of their habitat coupled with high levels
of hunting, numbers of this species are in rapid decline (Wang and Chen,
1981; Lue, 1987). Hunting with foot and neck snares, although
illegal, occurs frequently between November and March (Lue, 1987). The
threat of landslides to individuals has been recognized, although not quantified
(IUCN, 2002). This species can apparently exist in close contact with
humans (Lue, 1987).
Remarks
This species of serow originated from the Japanese serow, C. crispus,
which likely reached Taiwan by passing through the eastern part of Mainland
China prior to being isolated after the last glaciation, about 16,000 years
ago (Lue, 1987).
Formosa is an archaic name for the island of Taiwan. Although
the name Taiwanese serow is used by some authorities, Formosan serow remains
the preferred title. Serow ("suh-ROW") is a name used by the
Lapchas of Sikkim in the Himalayas to refer to C. sumatraensis, although
this name is now used to refer to all members of the genus Capricornis
(Gotch, 1995).
Capra (Latin) a she-goat; cornu (Latin) the horn of an animal;
hence "Capricornis" implies the presence of goat-like horns. R.
Swinhoe FRS (1836-1877) was at one time in the British Consular Service
in China (Gotch, 1995).
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German
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Formosa Serau
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Literature
Cited
Chen, P. C. 1987. Breeding and behaviour of Formosan serow at
Taipei Zoo. In The Biology and Management of Capricornis
and Related Mountain Antelopes. Edited by H. Soma. London,
New York, Sydney: Croom Helm. pp. 154-164.
Gotch, A. F. 1995. Latin Names Explained: A guide to the scientific
classification of reptiles, birds, and mammals. New York, NY: Facts
on File.
Groves, C. P., and P. Grubb. 1985. Reclassification of the serows
and gorals (Nemorhaedus: Bovidae). In The Biology and
Management of Mountain Ungulates. Edited by S. Lovari.
London: Croom Helm. pp. 45-50.
Ito, T. 1987. Breeding of goral, Formosan serow and chomois.
In The Biology and Management of Capricornis and Related Mountain
Antelopes. Edited by H. Soma. London, New York, Sydney:
Croom Helm. pp. 221-223.
IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources).
2002. 2002 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Available
online at http://www.redlist.org/
Lue, K. Y. 1987. A preliminary study on the ecology of Formosan
serow Capricornis crispus swinhoei. In The Biology and
Management of Capricornis and Related Mountain Antelopes. Edited
by H. Soma. London, New York, Sydney: Croom Helm. pp. 125-133
Nowak, R. M. [editor]. 1991. Walker's Mammals of the World (Fifth Edition).
Baltimore: The Johns Hopkins University Press.
Sheng Helin, Noriyuki Ohtaishi, and Lu Houji. 1999. The Mammalian
of China. Beijing: China Forestry Publishing House.
Wang, K. P., and P. C. Chen. 1981. Notes on the Formosan serow
(Capricornis crispus swinhoei) at Taipei Zoo. International
Zoo Yearbook; 21: 201-202.
Wilson, D. E., and D. M. Reeder [editors]. 1993. Mammal Species of the World
(Second Edition). Washington: Smithsonian Institution Press.
Available online at
http://nmnhwww.si.edu/msw/.
Wilson, D. E., and D. M. Reeder [editors]. 2005. Mammal Species
of the World (Third Edition). Smithsonian Institution Press, Washington,
DC.
Additional Resources
Atoji, Y., Y. Yamamoto, and Y. Suzuki. 1995. Morphology of the
interdigital glands of a Formosan serow (Capricornis crispus swinhoei).
Journal of Veterinary Medical Science; 57(5): 963-964.
Atoji, Y., Y. Yamamoto, and Y. Suzuki. 1996. Infraorbital glands
of a male Formosan serow (Capricornis crispus swinhoei). European
Journal of Morphology; 34(2): 87-94.
Atoji, Y., Y. Yamamoto, and Y. Suzuki. 1998. Morphology of the
tongue of a male Formosan serow (Capricornis crispus swinhoei).
Anatomia Histologia Embryologia; 27(1): 17-19.
Chikuni, K., Y. Mori, T. Tabata, M. Saito, M. Monma, and M. Kosugiyama.
1995. Molecular phylogeny based on the kappa-casein and cytochrome
b sequences in the mammalian suborder ruminantia. Journal of Molecular
Evolution; 41(6): 859-866.
Dien, Z-M. 1984. The Formosan serow. Quat. J. Taiwan Mus.
XVI(1-2): 98-100.
Gray, J. E. 1862. Notice of a new ‘‘wild goat’’
(Capricornus swinhoei) from the Island of Formosa. Annals and
Magazine of Natural History; Series 3, 10: 320.
Huang, Y. W. 1988. Population Estimation and Age Determination
of an Endemic Mountain Goat Species, Formosan serow (Capricornis crispus
swinhoei). Unpublished MSc. Thesis Graduate Institute
of Biology, National Taiwan Normal University.
Lovari, S., and M. Locati. 1994. Site features of territorial
dung-marking in mainland serow. Mammalia; 58(1): 153-156.
Lue, K. Y. 1997. Taiwan. In Wild sheep and goats
and their relatives. Status survey and conservation action plan for Caprinae.
Edited by D. M. Shackleton. Gland, Switzerland and Cambridge,
UK: IUCN. Chapter pagination: 285-287.
McCullough, D. R. 1974. Status of larger mammals of Taiwan.
Tourism Bureau, Taiwan. 36 pp.
Soma, H., H. Kada, K. Matayoshi, M. T. Ysai, T. Kiyokawa, T. Ito, K. P. Wang,
B. P. Chen, and S. C. Chen. 1981. Cytogenetic similarities between
the Formosan serow (Capricornis swinhoei) and the Japanese serow
(Capricornis crispus). Proc. Japan. Acad., Sci. 57:254-259.
Soma, H., H. Kada, Y. Mori, O. Ino, and T. Hayakawa. 1994. Breeding
control of serow (Capricornis) and goral (Nemophadeus) in Japan
Serow Center. Erkrankungen der Zootiere; 36: 49-54.
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