Himalayan Serow recorded at Assam’s Raimona National Park

Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

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A mainland serow aka. Himalayan Serow (Capricornis sumatraensis thar) was recorded at 96 metres above mean sea level in Raimona National Park, Assam.
- This is the lowest elevation recorded for the species beyond Bhutan, its natural habitat.

	Details
About	Herbivore species. Also known as Thar. Resembles a cross between a goat, a donkey, a cow, and a pig.
Recognition	Official state animal of Mizoram.
Distribution	Found at altitudes between 2,000 metres and 4,000 metres (6,500 to 13,000 feet). Found across the India-Bhutan border in Phibsoo Wildlife Sanctuary and Royal Manas National Park. Present in eastern, central, and western Himalayas, but not in the Trans Himalayan region.
Conservation Status	IUCN Red List: Vulnerable CITES: Appendix I The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I

Raimona National Park is a newly established protected area located in the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) of Assam.
It was officially declared a national park in June 2021, becoming the sixth national park in the state of Assam.
It shares its northern boundary with Bhutan, forming part of the transboundary conservation landscape.
It is characterised by dense forests, rivers, and grasslands. The park is part of the greater Manas Biosphere Reserve and serves as an extension of the Manas National Park.
The area is interspersed by the Sankosh River which flows through the park.

Flora: The park boasts a rich biodiversity with various types of vegetation, including semi-evergreen forests, mixed deciduous forests, and patches of grassland.
Fauna: Hosts a variety of wildlife, including:
- Mammals: Asian elephants, tigers, clouded leopards, golden langurs, Indian gaur, and several species of deer.
- Birds: Home to numerous bird species, including hornbills, great pied hornbills, and various migratory birds.
- Reptiles and Amphibians: The park also supports a diverse range of reptiles and amphibians, adding to its ecological richness.

[2011] The Himalayan Range is very rich in species diversity. Which one among the following is the most appropriate reason for this Phenomenon?

(a) It has a high rainfall that supports luxuriant vegetative growth

(b) It is a confluence of different bio-geographical zones.

(d) It has less human interference.

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