Naemorhedus griseus (Milne-Edwards, 1871)

Nomenclature and General Form

Description: The Chinese goral, scientifically named Naemorhedus griseus (Milne-Edwards, 1871), is intermediate in form between an antelope and a goat.

Body Size

Adults reach a shoulder height of 50 to 78 cm (20 to 31 in) and a total body length of 82 to 130 cm (32 to 51 in).

Build and Limbs

It has a stocky build, with long, stout limbs and broad hooves.

Horns and Ears

Its horns are short and conical, and its ears are fairly long and pointed.

Teat Count

Unlike sheep and goats, which normally have two teats, the Chinese goral has four teats.

Coat Structure

Its coat is made up of a short, dense underlayer and an upper layer of longer, semierect, coarse guard hairs.

Coloration

Its coloration is somewhat variable, ranging from pale grey to dark brown or reddish brown. A dark stripe runs along its back, and its throat and underparts are pale.

Geographical Range

Distribution and habitat: The Chinese goral is native to parts of southeastern Asia. Its range extends from northeastern India, Myanmar and northwestern Thailand, through northern Vietnam and possibly northern Laos, to most of China apart from the extreme north and west of the country.

Habitat Preferences

It is a mountain species that occurs in rugged, inaccessible areas, on steep slopes and plateaus. It normally stays in rocky areas, but will sometimes venture into nearby evergreen-deciduous forest and mixed woodland.