Identification:
Large ungulates of the Bovidae family. Adults weigh over 150 kg. Resembling deer in appearance, they possess a mane of long hair on the head. Long tufts of hair extend from the ears to the corners of the mouth. Both males and females have short horns, not exceeding 30 cm in length. The cylindrical horns have numerous transverse ridges and are attached to the horn bone, with the tips curved backward. The horns are unbranched. The entire body is covered with thick, long, coarse hair, typically dark gray or ash gray. Long hair forms a mane from the forehead to the shoulders. The tail is very short.
Biology and Ecology:
The animal forages on rocky mountainsides and summits. Their diet consists of grass, leaves, small branches, tree shoots, fruits, mosses, and lichens found on rock faces. The breeding season is concentrated in March-April, with mating occurring in August-October. The gestation period is 210-240 days. They give birth to one offspring per litter, once a year. They inhabit rocky mountain forests, primarily limestone areas at elevations from 50-2000m above sea level. Habitats and shelters are often found in rock crevices and caves. Activity occurs during the daytime, from 4-5 AM to 4-5 PM. Their individual home range is not extensive and is not permanently stable, making them vulnerable to hunting and trapping. They typically live in groups of 3-4 individuals, with older animals often solitary.
The predators of young animals are large carnivores: tigers, leopards, etc.
Distribution:
- In Vietnam: Sơn La, Cao Bằng, Lai Châu, Lạng Sơn, Hòa Bình, Quảng Ninh, Hải Phòng, Thanh Hóa, Nghệ An, Hà Tĩnh, Quảng Bình, Quảng Trị, Thừa Thiên – Huế, Quảng Nam, Kontum, Gia Lai, Đắk Lắk, Lâm Đồng.
- Globally: India (Assam), Myanmar, southern China, Laos, Malaysia, Indonesia (Sumatra).
Value:
A species adapted to rocky mountain habitats, suitable for ecotourism. They have value for scientific research and can be kept as ornamental animals in parks and zoos.
Status:
The population is not large and is becoming increasingly rare due to frequent hunting and trapping. While the distribution area is wide, their habitat has been and continues to be severely degraded in many places due to deforestation, stone mining, etc., leading to habitat shrinkage and fragmentation.
Classification:
EN A1c,dB1 +2a,bC2a.
Conservation Measures:
Listed in the Vietnam Red Book, Decree 18/HĐBT, Decree 32/2006/NĐ-CP of the Government, and other documents prohibiting hunting, trapping, and trade. Many areas inhabited by this species have been designated as national parks and nature reserves, along with the protection of other biological resources. Furthermore, a complete ban on hunting and trapping of this animal should be enforced everywhere, with strict penalties for violators.