Mainland Serow Spotted in Assam’s Raimona National Park
Mainland Serow Spotted in Assam's Raimona National Park
First photographic evidence of the elusive Mainland Serow marks a significant biodiversity milestone in Assam’s Raimona National Park
In a major breakthrough for wildlife conservation, the elusive ‘Mainland Serow’ (Capricornis sumatraensis thar) has been photographed for the first time in Assam’s Raimona National Park. This rare sighting was documented near the Ganda Bajrum Anti-poaching camp through the efforts of forest officials and the biodiversity group Aaranyak. The species, classified as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), was captured on digital camera traps placed strategically in the park’s western region.
This discovery has been hailed as a significant achievement. The Divisional Forest Officer of the Kachugaon Forest Division, expressed satisfaction over the park’s role in preserving this and other wildlife species. He commended Raimona National Park for its commendable efforts in wildlife conservation and emphasized the broader ecological benefits. The Mainland Serow, which also inhabits areas such as Bhutan’s Royal Manas National Park and the Phibsoo Wildlife Sanctuary, highlights the potential for cross-border conservation efforts.
A senior scientist at Aaranyak, underscored the wide habitat range of the Mainland Serow, from the Himalayas to Sumatra. He stressed the urgent need for conservation measures due to the fragmented populations and threats like poaching and habitat destruction. Raimona National Park, located in Assam’s Kokrajhar district, was declared a national park on June 5, 2021, by Assam’s Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma during World Environment Day celebrations.
The park is renowned for its rich biodiversity, featuring tropical forests, grasslands, and wetlands. It serves as a sanctuary for various endangered and vulnerable species, including the golden langur, an endemic species that is also the mascot of the Bodoland region, shared with Bhutan. It is managed by the Assam Forest Department. Raimona National Park plays a critical role in wildlife conservation efforts. It offers visitors the chance to engage in ecotourism and contribute to ongoing preservation initiatives.
The recent documentation of the Mainland Serow not only underscores the park’s ecological significance but also reinforces the importance of sustained conservation efforts to protect and preserve the diverse wildlife and habitats of the region.
