In a significant biodiversity milestone, the elusive and vulnerable Mainland Serow (Capricornis sumatraensis thar) has been photographically documented for the first time in Assam’s Raimona National Park. This rare sighting, captured by forest officials and conservationists using digital camera traps, highlights the rich wildlife found in this relatively new protected area.
The Mainland Serow, classified as Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), is a medium-sized bovid known for its robust build, short limbs, and thick, dark coat. It is a solitary and shy creature, making it challenging to observe in the wild. The species is widely distributed across various baits extending from the Himalayas in the Indian subcontinent to southern China, mainland Southeast Asia, and Sumantra.
Significance of the Discovery
The discovery of the Mainland Serow in Raimona National Park is a significant achievement for biodiversity conservation efforts in the region. Bhanu Sinha, Divisional Forest Officer of the Kachugaon Forest Division, expressed excitement over the finding, stating, “The discovery of the Mainland Serow in Raimona National Park is good news for biodiversity conservation, and we are thrilled by the finding.”
M.Firoz Ahmed, a senior scientist at Aaranyak, a biodiversity conservation organization, echoed these sentiments, saying, “There is a wealth of wildlife in Raimona National Park, and the discovery of this species is good news for the conservation world.” The finding has been published as a scientific paper in the Journal of Threatened Taxa.
Raimona National Park: A Biodiversity Hotspot
Raimona National Park, located in the Kokrajhar district of Assam, was declared a national park in June 2021. It forms part of the larger Manas Biosphere Reserve and is known for its rich biodiversity, including numerous species of flora and fauna, some of which are endemic to the region.
The park is home to many vulnerable and endangered species, including the newly discovered Mainland Serow. Ensuring the connectivity of habitats through wildlife corridors and mitigating human-wildlife conflict are critical for the long-term survival of these species.
Conservation Challenges
Despite the exciting discovery, conservationists face significant challenges in protecting the Mainland Serow and its habitat. The species’ populations are fragmented, isolated, and rapidly declining due to poaching, habitat destruction, and habitat loss.
Dipankar Lahkar, a senior conservationist with Aaranyak, highlighted the lack of reliable data on the species abundance and distribution, making it difficult to implement effective conservation actions to ensure long-term survival. He also noted that occasional poaching for bushmeat and habitat alteration due to logging during ethnopolitical violence are primary conservation concerns in Raimona National Park.
Collaborative Conservation Efforts
The discovery of the Mainland Serow in Raimona National Park is the result of collaborative efforts between the forest department and conservation organizations like Aaranyak. The photographic evidence was captured twice by forest department personnel and members of the biodiversity group ‘Aaranyak’ using digital camera traps.
The Assam government’s decision to declare Raimona a national park in 2021 has provided legal protection for the area and its wildlife. Moving forward, conservation efforts should focus on securing and recovering the Mainland Serow population, restoring degraded habitats, and ensuring the long-term survival of this vulnerable species.
Conclusion
The sighting of the Mainland Serow in Assam’s Raimona National Park is a significant milestone in biodiversity conservation. This rare and elusive species serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting India’s natural heritage and the rich biodiversity found within its borders. As conservation efforts continue in Raimona National Park and beyond, the Mainland Serow highlights the need for collaborative action to safeguard vulnerable species and their habitats for future generations.