First ‘Mainland Serow’ spotted in Raimona National Park, Assam

In a significant development for biodiversity conservation, there has been the first photographic evidence of the ‘Mainland Serow’ recorded in Assam’s Raimona National Park. This vulnerable mammal species, recognized by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), was captured on camera by forest officials and conservationists working collaboratively. Using digital camera traps near the Ganda Bajrum Anti-poaching camp in the park’s western region, they successfully documented this rare animal.

The Mainland Serow sighting is being hailed as a monumental discovery, with the animal documented twice by personnel from the forest department and members of the biodiversity group ‘Aaranyak’. Bhanu Sinha, Divisional Forest Officer of the Kachugaon Forest Division, expressed his satisfaction with the finding, emphasizing the park’s commendable role in conserving the Mainland Serow and its broader wildlife diversity.

Significance of the Discovery

The Mainland Serow, scientifically known as Capricornis sumatraensis thar, also inhabits nearby regions such as the Phibsoo Wildlife Sanctuary and Bhutan’s Royal Manas National Park, indicating potential cross-boundary conservation benefits. This discovery underscores the rich biodiversity of Raimona National Park. M. Firoz Ahmed, a senior scientist at Aaranyak, highlighted the Mainland Serow’s extensive habitat range, from the Himalayas to Sumatra, and stressed the urgent need for conservation due to fragmented populations and threats like poaching and habitat loss.

More About Raimona National Park

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 the World Environment Day celebrations at Gandhi Mandap in Guwahati. The park is a biodiversity hotspot renowned for its rich flora and fauna, spanning an area of diverse landscapes including tropical forests, grasslands, and wetlands.

• Biodiversity: Home to various endangered and vulnerable species, including the recently documented Mainland Serow.
• Notable Species: Renowned for the golden langur, an endemic species also designated as the mascot of the Bodoland region, shared with Bhutan.
• Conservation Efforts: Managed by the Assam Forest Department, Raimona plays a crucial role in wildlife conservation, aiming to protect its unique biodiversity and natural habitats.

Visitor Experience

Visitors to Raimona National Park can experience its scenic beauty, engage in ecotourism activities, and contribute to ongoing conservation initiatives. This latest sighting of the Mainland Serow highlights the park’s significance and the importance of continued conservation efforts to protect such rare and vulnerable species.

Conclusion

The spotting of the Mainland Serow in Assam’s Raimona National Park is a testament to the park’s rich biodiversity and successful conservation efforts. This discovery not only brings attention to the need for continued wildlife protection but also enhances the park’s status as a critical area for biodiversity conservation.