Capricornis swinhoei Gray, 1862

Nomenclature and Endemism

Capricornis swinhoei Gray, 1862, commonly known as the Formosan serow, is the only native bovid found in Taiwan.

Body Size and Measurements

Its physical characteristics are as follows: torso length ranges from 80–114 cm (31–45 in), body weight ranges from 25–35 kg (55–77 lb), and it has a short tail measuring approximately 6.5 cm.

Coat Coloration

Its coat is dark tan, with yellow spots on the jaw, throat, and nape.

Horn Characteristics

Both males and females have conical, non-shedding horns that curve slightly backward, with a length of 10–20 centimeters.

Mating Season

For reproduction, the mating season of this species, also called the Taiwan serow, occurs from September to November.

Gestation and Birthing Period

The gestation period lasts around seven months, so calves are born between March and June of the following year.

Litter Size

Females usually give birth to a single calf, though twin births occur occasionally.

Newborn Calf Development

Newborn calves are able to stand on their own within just a few hours.

Juvenile Feeding Behavior

Three-month-old calves can feed independently, but may still nurse from their mother.

Parental Care

Males do not participate in caring for calves.

Juvenile Independence

Calves gradually separate from their mother and begin living independently between six months and one year of age.

Maturity and Lifespan

They reach sexual maturity at two to three years old, and have a maximum lifespan of approximately 15 years.