Meet The Japanese Serow
The Japanese Serow is a quiet, cautious, and mountain-dwelling animal that looks like a cross between a goat and a deer, but in reality, it has its own distinct identity.
This animal is mostly found in the dense forests and mountainous areas of Japan, especially in the forests of Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu, where it lives a solitary life and prefers to stay out of sight of humans. The Japanese Serow is also the national animal of Japan and enjoys special protection there.
This animal belongs to the Bovidae family, the same family that includes goats, sheep, and cattle, but its genus is Capricornis, and the scientific name is Capricornis crispus. It has a strong body, short but powerful legs, and short but pointed horns that are found in both males and females. Its fur is thick and rough, which provides it with natural protection in the cold mountain weather, and its color is usually black, gray, or brown.
In terms of height, the Japanese Serow is usually about 70 to 85 cm high at the shoulders, while the body length can average 130 to 140 cm. Weight usually ranges between 30 and 45 kg, although some healthy adult males can be slightly heavier. Its body structure enables it to walk and climb easily on rocky and sloping terrain.
The Japanese Serow's diet consists mostly of plants. It eats grasses, shrubs, tree leaves, shoots, and sometimes bark. In winter, when the vegetation is scarce, it feeds on tree bark and dry branches. It can also be active during the day, but is usually more active in the early morning and evening.
The Japanese Serow has a relatively simple but systematic breeding pattern. Its mating season usually occurs in late autumn or early winter. Males defend their territory during this time and may compete with other males for the female.
The gestation period is about seven months, after which the female usually gives birth to a single calf, with twins rarely occurring. The newborn can stand and walk with its mother shortly after birth, although it is completely dependent on its mother for the first few months.
The young become fairly independent at about one year of age, while it takes two to three years to reach full maturity. In the wild, the average lifespan of the Japanese Serow can be 15 to 20 years, provided it is protected from disease, hunting, or human interference. Since it is legally protected in Japan, its population is considered relatively stable.
Overall, the Japanese Serow is an animal that represents the natural history, mountain ecosystems, and beauty of Japan's wildlife. Its calm nature, strong physique, and unique identity give it a special place among goats and deer, and this is why this animal holds a special attraction not only for zoologists but also for the general public.
