|
Behavior
The Formosan serow has been recognized as a subspecies of
the Japanese serow, although some experts consider it a species
endemic to Taiwan. They are excellent climbers on steep hills
and well-adapted to Taiwan's high mountain environment. Populations
are abundant. They were once aborigines' major games but have
been classified as preserved species. No capture of them is
allowed. Formosan serows are more active in the morning and
evening. They usually live alone and only stay with their mates
or foals during the breeding season. They feed mainly on tender
burgeons and leaves of many plants, such as Juniperus Sqyanata
Lamb.var. morrisonicola ( Hayata), Abies kawakamii (Hayata)
Ito, Tsuga chinensis (Franch.) Pritz. ex Diels var. formosana
(Hayata), Anisogonium esculentum（Retz.）Presl, Urtica thunbergiana
Sieb. & Zucc. They are ruminants, allowing them to regurgitate
and rechew their food for stronger digestion. They are territorial.
They mark their territory by leaving feces, urine or secretions
from their preorbital glands on the trees or rocks or rubbing
their horns against them.
Habitat:
The Formosan Serow is endemic to Taiwan. They are widely spread
in mountain areas at altitudes around 1,000-3,000m. The lowest
altitude at which they are found is about 500m. They prefer
bordering areas between forests and grassland with rich vegetation.
They can walk agilely on rocky debris. |
|
