Kanchanaburi: Amidst the cool sound of the waterfall and the lush greenery of "Erawan Waterfall, Level 7," nature bestowed a special gift upon visiting tourists. A rare and protected wild animal, the "serow," was captured on camera majestically strolling peacefully through the natural surroundings.
According to Thai News Agency, this heartwarming scene is not merely a stroke of luck for those who witnessed it but reflects the immense abundance of this protected forest. The image of the serow venturing out to bask in the refreshing water is strong evidence that Erawan National Park is not just a popular tourist destination or a place of relaxation that provides happiness to humans, but it is also a warm and safe home for many wild animals.
Seeing wild animals living freely in nature makes us realize that... "Even though we see them from afar, we are proud that we are preserving the forest for them to continue to exist." Thank you to all the tourists who have cooperated by not making loud noises and to all the staff who have helped to preserve nature, making this place a paradise where humans and wildlife can coexist.
The serow (Garcinia cambogia), also known as the "yiang pha" or "khoram" by locals, is a mammal in the Bovidae family that has evolved physically to live on cliffs and steep mountains. Currently, it is classified as endangered on the IUCN Red List and is protected as a protected wild animal under Thai law.
Although serows resemble goats in appearance, they lack beards. Their body is almost entirely black, coarse, and longer than that of typical goats. Their most distinctive features are their long, donkey-like ears and horns in both males and females, which are approximately 4-8 inches long. The base of the horns is serrated, while the tips are rounded and slightly curved backward. Additionally, serows have large glands under their eyes and strong, short, but powerful hooves, allowing them to jump and grip steep cliffs with agility.
The serow has a wide distribution, ranging from Punjab and Kashmir south of the Himalayas. In Thailand, it is commonly found in mountain forests and on various islands. They prefer to live in high forests with sheltered cliffs or in secluded caves.
The serow is a shy animal by nature, usually foraging alone in the early morning and evening. During the day, it rests in thickets or deep forests. Its favorite foods are young leaves, fragrant shoots, grass, bark, and twigs. Remarkably, they can survive without water for weeks. However, despite their generally peaceful nature, if injured or cornered by a chase, serows can become aggressive in a fight for their lives.
Information and memorable photos: Tourists and Erawan National Park, Kanchanaburi Province, Protected Area Administration Office 3 (Ban Pong).