Scientific Name: Capricornis crispus Approx. Size: 25-35 in. to shoulder, 65-100 lb. Diet: Bamboo, cypress, leaves, acorns, assorted mountain vegetation
The Japanese serow, or "Nihon kamoshika," is a small bovid that lives in the hillside forests and mountain ranges of Japan and Taiwan. There are four color variations: black, black with a dorsal white spot, dark brown, and slightly off-white. Both sexes of serow feature short, slightly curved horns. The serow is a solitary animal, usually living alone, in couples, or in small family clusters that restrict their range to relatively small areas. A serow claims its territory using a black pre-orbital gland that is clearly visible below its eye. The gland secretes a vinegar-like substance that marks the ground in question. As a result of heavy snowfall in the winters, the serow alters its feeding habits, decreasing consumption during the cold winter months. This occurs even in captivity.