Indochinese serows discovered in Ninh Binh’s protected forest

Representatives from the Centre forResources, Environmental and Climate Change (CeREC) stated that after a long period of conducting biodiversity surveys in the protected forest area of Dong Thai commune (Ninh Binh province), experts obtained valuable images of a population of 37 white-buttocked Delacour’s langurs and a mother and baby Indochinese serowsthrough thermal imaging drones and camera traps.

The Indochinese serows (scientific name Capricornis maritimus) is a large mammal, with adults weighing over 150 kilogrammes. Their entire body is covered in thick fur, their horns are short (10 15 cm) curved backward, and their tails are very short.

Tilo Nadler, a CeREC expert, said the thermal imaging survey revealed a mother Indochinese serow with her calf. This is irrefutable evidence confirming the natural reproduction and development of this endangered species right in the forest.

The Indochinese serow is listed in the Vietnamese Red Book as endangered.

In Vietnam, the number of this species is declining drastically due to illegal hunting and habitat loss.

The discovery of a potentially breeding population in Dong Thai commune's protected forest in Ninh Bình province is an extremely encouraging sign for conservation efforts.