Chinese Serow: A Strange Goat Antelope

Had you ever heard of a Chinese or mainland serow before today? Well here she is. The unsung Asian hero of the goat world: the serow. A flowing mane, horns and a psychopath’s glint in his eye. This picture below was taken by a trap-camera in Laos…

They’re funny looking fellows and no mistake but, for some reason, popular culture has passed them by. Everyone’s seen a whale, or a dolphin, or a tiger, lion, antelope, wolf… blah, blah. But no one gets introduced to the serow as a matter of course. I don’t know why, they look great.

These comedic goat antelopes live in China and South East Asia and have a bristly protective outer coat. Perhaps that’s why they aren’t top priority at a petting zoo? Scratchy fur is generally a no, no in that sort of environment I guess.

The Chinese serow is a relative of the gorals and mostly found in the forested mountainous regions of central and southern China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand. They’re most at home on steep, rugged slopes but are also able to swim to nearby islands if they fancy a change of scene.

I hope now that you have been made aware of this gaping hole in our collective knowledge of wildlife you will for ever more speak highly of the Chinese serow.

If your goat whistle has been whet by this creature, why not take a gander at these awesome goat photos next?:

PHOTOS OF GOATS IN WEIRD PLACES