JAPANESE SEROW
Capricornis crispus
DESCRIPTION
The Japanese Serow (Capricornis crispus) is a goat-antelope native to the mountainous regions of Japan. It is characterized by its stocky build, short legs, and long, curved horns.
FUN FACTS
- The Japanese Serow is the national symbol of Japan | They are excellent climbers and can navigate steep, rocky terrain with ease | Their horns can grow up to 80 cm long
QUICK INFO
Lifespan15-20 years in the wild, up to 25 in captivity
Average Weight40-100 kg
Average Length1.2-1.5 m
Diet TypeHerbivore
Social Structuresolitary or small groups, often seen alone or in pairs
Activity PatternCrepuscular
Breeding SeasonAutumn (September-November)
- Habitat
- Japanese Serows inhabit steep, forested mountains and hilly areas. They prefer dense cover for protection and foraging.
- Biomes
- Temperate Forest, Mountain
- Native Range
- Endemic to Japan, found on the islands of Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu.
- Continent
- Asia
- Countries
- Japan
- Diet
- The Japanese Serow primarily feeds on a variety of vegetation, including leaves, grasses, and shrubs. It is known to graze on both herbaceous and woody plants.
- Diet Type
- Herbivore
- Favorite Food
- leaves, grasses, shrubs
- Social Structure
- solitary or small groups, often seen alone or in pairs
- Activity Pattern
- Crepuscular
- Group Size
- 1-3
- Territorial
- 0
LC
40-100 kg
Weight
1.2-1.5 m
Length
0.8-1.0 m at shoulder
Height (Shoulder)
- Coloration
- dark brown to grayish fur with lighter underparts
- Sexual Dimorphism
- males are larger with more prominent horns
- Lifespan
- 15-20 years in the wild, up to 25 in captivity
- Gestation Period
- 210 days
- Offspring per Birth
- 1
- Sexual Maturity
- 2-3 years
- Breeding Season
- Autumn (September-November)
LC
Least Concern
IUCN Red List Status
- Population Status
- The population is currently stable but faces threats from habitat loss.
- Wild Population Estimate
- 10,000-20,000
- Population Trend
- Stable
- Endangered
- 0
- Threats
- Main threats include habitat destruction due to urbanization and agriculture, as well as hunting. Conservation efforts are in place to protect their habitats.
- Conservation Program
- Protected under Japanese law, with designated national parks and reserves.
- Predators
- Main predators include large carnivores such as bears and wolves.
- Defense Mechanisms
- They rely on their agility and ability to navigate steep terrain to escape predators.
- Found in Zoos
- Uncommon