Home / Environment / Mizoram's State Animal Poached: Serow Hunted for Meat and Trophy
Mizoram's State Animal Poached: Serow Hunted for Meat and Trophy
14 Aug
Summary
- A man was arrested for killing Mizoram's state animal, the serow.
- The protected animal's meat and trophy were found in the accused's possession.
- The serow is listed as 'Vulnerable' and protected under Indian law.
In Mizoram's Kolasib district, a 41-year-old man was apprehended for the illegal hunting of the serow, the state animal, also known locally as 'saza'. The arrest was made by officials from the Kawnpui Forest Range, who discovered the accused, R.T. Thanga, in possession of the protected animal's meat and trophy.
The serow, scientifically identified as the Himalayan Serow, is a goat-antelope species native to the region's dense forests. Despite its classification, its appearance is often described as a mix of various animals, possessing characteristics like a dark brown coat, a white throat patch, and short black horns.
These animals are specialized mountain dwellers, inhabiting hill forests and rocky terrains typically between 500 and 4,000 meters elevation. Their survival is critically dependent on undisturbed forest cover, making them highly sensitive to habitat disturbances. The Himalayan serow is officially listed as 'Vulnerable' by the IUCN and holds the highest level of domestic protection in India under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
This legal protection signifies that any poaching or trading activities involving the serow are subject to the strictest penalties under Indian wildlife law. The case underscores the ongoing threats faced by vulnerable species and the importance of conservation efforts.
