Himalayan serow

Why in news?

• A Himalayan serow has been sighted for the first time in Spiti valley in the Himalayan cold desert region. 
• Spiti lies in the cold mountain desert region of the western Himalaya, and its valley floor has an average elevation of 4,270 metres above sea level.
• Serows are generally not found at this altitude, and never before has a serow been seen in the Himalayan cold desert.

About Himalayan serow:

• Himalayan serows are herbivores, and are typically found at altitudes between 2,000 metres and 4,000 metres.
• They are known to be found in eastern, central, and western Himalayas, but not in the Trans Himalayan region.
• Himalayan serow is a medium-sized mammal with a large head, thick neck, short limbs, long, mule-like ears, and a coat of dark hair.
• There are several species of serows, and all of them are found in Asia.
• The Himalayan serow is restricted to the Himalayan region and is a subspecies of the mainland serow (Capricornis sumatraensis).
• The animal has been spotted previously in Great Himalayan National Park and the Rupi Bhaba Wildlife Sanctuary in Himachal Pradesh.
• Previously assessed as ‘near threatened’, the Himalayan serow is now been categorised as ‘vulnerable’ in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
• It is listed under Schedule I of The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, which provides absolute protection.

Prelims Question

Consider the following statements regarding Great Himalayan National Park:
1.It is a UNESCO world heritage site.
2.It is India’s only protected area in the Palearctic realm.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 
(a)1 only 
(b)2 only 
(c)Both 1 and 2 
(d)Neither 1 nor 2 

Answer to prelims question