Editing Japanese serow

{{Short description|Bovid endemic to Japan}}
{{Good article}}
{{Use Canadian English|date=September 2021}}
{{Speciesbox
| name          = Japanese serow
| image         = Nihonkamoshika-akita.JPG
| image_caption = In the wild of Japan
| status        = LC
| status_system = IUCN3.1
| status_ref    ={{sfn|Tokida|2020}}
| taxon         = Capricornis crispus
| authority     = ([[Robert Swinhoe|R. Swinhoe]], 1870){{sfn|Jass|Mead|2004|p=1}}
| range_map = Capricornis crispus MAP.png
| synonyms_ref  ={{sfn|Jass|Mead|2004|p=1}}{{sfnm|1a1=Tokida|1y=2020|2a1=Grubb|2y=2005}}
| synonyms      = {{Plainlist|
*''Antilope crispa''<br /><small>[[Coenraad Jacob Temminck|Temminck]],&nbsp;1836</small>
*''Capricornis crispa''<br /><small>([[John Edward Gray|Gray]], 1846)</small>
*''Capricornulus crispus''<br /><small>([[Pierre Marie Heude|Heude]], 1898)</small>
*''Capricornulus pryerianus''<br /><small>(Heude, 1898)</small>
*''Capricornulus saxicola''<br /><small>(Heude, 1898)</small>
*''Naemorhedus crispus''<br /><small>([[Colin Groves|Groves]] & [[Peter Grubb (zoologist)|Grubb]], 1985)</small>
*''Nemorhaedus crispus''<br /><small>(Grubb, 1993)</small>}}
}}
[[File:Kamoshika in Yamadera.jpg|thumb|329x329px|Kamoshika in the wild in Yamadera]]
The {{nihongo|'''Japanese serow'''|[[Wiktionary:氈鹿|氈鹿]]|kamoshika|lit. "coarse pelt deer"}} ('''''Capricornis crispus'''''){{efn|{{nihongo|Japanese serow|ニホンカモシカ|Nihon kamoshika|lead=yes}} }}  ([[:ja:羚羊|羚羊]]) is a Japanese [[Caprinae|goat-antelope]], an [[even-toed ungulate]]. It is found in dense [[woodland]] in Japan, primarily in northern and central [[Honshu]]. The serow is seen as a national symbol of Japan, and is subject to protection in conservation areas.

Adult Japanese serow stand about {{convert|32|in|cm|order=flip}} tall and weigh {{convert|30|–|45|kg|lb}}. They are black to whitish, and colouring lightens in summer. The fur is very bushy, especially the tail. Both sexes have short, backwards-curving horns, and are difficult to distinguish by sight. Japanese serow are found in dense mountain forests where they eat leaves, shoots, and acorns. They are [[Diurnality|diurnal]] and feed in early mornings and late afternoons. Serows are solitary, or gather in couples or small family groups. The animal [[Territory (animal)#Scent marking|marks its territory]] with sweet-and-sour-smelling [[preorbital gland]] secretions, and males and females have separate territories that may overlap.

In the mid-20th century, the Japanese serow was hunted to near-extinction. In 1955, the Japanese government passed a law designating it a "Special National Monument" to protect it from poachers. Populations have since grown so greatly that the [[IUCN Red List|IUCN Red List of Threatened Animals]] ranks it "[[least concern]]". Complaints from foresters and farmers led in 1979 to the 1955 law's repeal. Since then, the serow has had protected status in 13 designated protected areas over 23 [[Prefectures of Japan|prefectures]], and has been subject to [[culling]] as a pest outside conservation areas. Conservationists have labelled it a "living national treasure of the forest".

==Taxonomy==

Taxonomically [[Coenraad Jacob Temminck]] first described the Japanese serow in 1836,{{sfnm|1a1=Tokida|1y=2020|2a1=Grubb|2y=2005}} and named it ''Antilope crispa''. [[John Edward Gray]] gave it its current name in 1846.{{efn|As ''Capricornis crispa''; [[Robert Swinhoe]] amended it for gender agreement in 1870.{{sfn|Jass|Mead|2004|p=1}} }} [[Pierre Marie Heude]] proposed many new genera and species in a system published in 1898; ''Capricornis'' became ''Capricornulus'', which included ''crispus'', ''pryerianus'', and ''saxicola''. The system did not find acceptance.{{sfn|Jass|Mead|2004|p=1}}

[[File:Nemorhaedus caudatus.jpg|thumb|left|alt=A photograph of a small, brownish goat-like animal with its head down feeding|A [[long-tailed goral]] ''(Naemorhedus caudatus).'' Serows ''(''genus ''Capricornis)'' have sometimes been classified with [[goral]]s under the genus ''Naemorhedus.'']]

There is no fossil record of the Japanese serow; its evolutionary history and the closeness of its relation to the [[Taiwan serow]] (''Capricornis swinhoei'') are speculative.{{sfn|Jass|Mead|2004|p=2}} Its taxonomic position has led to it being called a "living fossil".{{sfn|Togashi et al.|2009|p=412}} Karyotype studies indicate it was the earliest species to split from the common ''Capricornis'' ancestor.{{sfn|Wei et al.|2013|p=6800}} The closest relative to the Japanese serow is the [[Taiwan serow]] (''Capricornis swinhoei''). Genetically, there is little difference between Japanese and Taiwan serows; their [[karyotype]] is essentially the same: [[Ploidy#Diploid|2n]]=50, [[Karyotype#Fundamental number|FN]]=60.{{sfn|Jass|Mead|2004|p=5}} The Taiwan serow is smaller and shorter-haired, with browner fur and a white patch under the chin and throat.{{sfn|Lue|1987|p=125}}

[[Phylogenetics|Phylogenetically]], ''Capricornis'' is closer to [[goat]]s and [[sheep]] than [[cattle]].{{sfn|Jass|Mead|2004|p=5}} The nomenclature and status of ''Capricornis'' taxa are not completely resolved.{{sfn|Tokida|2020}} Some researchers have considered ''Capricornis'' a junior [[synonym (taxonomy)|synonym]] of ''Naemorhedus'',{{sfn|Jass|Mead|2004|p=1}} a classification that includes [[goral]]s;{{sfn|Tokida|2020}} molecular analysis has not supported this classification.{{sfn|Min, et al.|2004|p=369}} ''Capricornis'' has a lower [[Canine tooth|canine]], which ''Naemorhedus'' species usually do not.{{sfn|Jass|Mead|2004|p=1}}

In Japan, the serow is widely thought of as a kind of deer, though deer and serows are in different families. In the past, the Japanese word ''{{transliteration|ja|kamoshika}}''{{efn|In Japanese, the word ''{{lang|ja|kamoshika}}'' refers both to [[serow]] and [[antelope]] species.{{sfn|Maruyama|Ikeda|Tokida|1997|p=271}} }} was written using the [[Kanji|Chinese character]] for ''{{transliteration|ja|shika}}'', meaning "deer".{{efn|{{nihongo|"Deer"|鹿|shika|lead=yes}}{{sfn|Knight|2003|p=128}} }}  Today, when written using Chinese characters, the characters for "antelope" and "sheep"{{efn|{{nihongo|Japanese serow ("antelope-sheep")|羚羊|kamoshika|lead=yes}}{{sfn|Knight|2003|p=129}}}} are used. Sometimes the serow is mistaken for a [[wild boar]].{{sfn|Knight|2003|pp=128–129}}

==Appearance and anatomy==

The Japanese serow{{sfn|Maruyama|Ikeda|Tokida|1997|p=271}} is a small [[bovid]]{{sfn|Jass|Mead|2004|p=2}} whose displayed [[Morphology (biology)|morphology]] is [[Primitive (phylogenetics)|primitive]] in relation to other bovids. It has a stocky body whose size varies little between sexes or geographic location; it stands about {{convert|70|–|85|cm|in}} tall ({{convert|70|–|75|cm|in}} at the shoulder){{sfn|Abe|2008|p=113}} and weighs {{convert|30|–|50|kg|lb}}.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www2.pref.iwate.jp/~hp0316/rdb/02honyuurui/0644.html|title=ニホンカモシカ|access-date=2020-06-16|archive-date=2020-09-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200919183407/http://www2.pref.iwate.jp/~hp0316/rdb/02honyuurui/0644.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tadami-buna.jp/panel-kasidasi/09animal.pdf|title = ニホンカモシカ}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pref.aomori.lg.jp/bunka/education/kinen_tokuten_02.html|title = カモシカ｜青森県庁ウェブサイト Aomori Prefectural Government}}</ref>{{sfn|Jass|Mead|2004|p=2}} The hoof is [[cloven hoof|cloven]].{{sfn|Knight|2003|p=125}} Compared to mainland [[serow]], the ears are shorter and the coat is typically longer and woollier—about {{convert|10|cm|in}} on the body. It has a bushy tail{{sfn|Burton|Burton|2002|p=2323}} of {{convert|6|–|6.5|cm|in}}{{sfn|Iijima|Tsuchiya|2010|p=115}} and no mane.{{sfn|Burton|Burton|2002|p=2323}}

Its fur is whitish around the neck,{{sfn|Iijima|Tsuchiya|2010|p=114}} and fur on the body may be black, black with a dorsal white spot, dark brown, or whitish.{{sfn|Jass|Mead|2004|p=2}} The coat lightens in summer.{{sfn|Burton|Burton|2002|p=2323}} There are three well-developed [[skin gland]]s:{{sfn|Jass|Mead|2004|p=3}} large [[preorbital gland|preorbital]] glands in both sexes, which increase in size as the animal ages;{{sfn|Abe|2008|p=113}} poorly developed{{sfn|Abe|2008|p=113}} [[interdigital gland|interdigital]] glands in all four legs;{{sfn|Atoji|Suzuki|Sugimura|1988|p=159}} and [[preputial gland]]s.{{sfn|Jass|Mead|2004|p=3}} The adult's 32 permanent teeth form by 30 months, and have a [[Dentition|dental formula]] of {{DentalFormula|upper=0.0.3.3|lower=3.1.3.3}}.{{sfn|Jass|Mead|2004|p=3}} The inner sides of the teeth become blackened with a hard-to-remove substance, likely tree resin.{{sfn|Nawa|2009|p=23}} The tongue has a V-shaped [[Anterior tongue|apex]].{{sfn|Jass|Mead|2004|p=4}}
[[File:Japanese serow Capricornis crispus 20160710.webm|thumb|(video) An adult lays down to rest.]]

[[File:Japanese serow skeleton at Kobe Oji Zoo, Japan.jpg|thumb|alt=A Photograph of the skeleton of a goat-like animal|''Capricornis crispus'' skeleton at the [[Ōji Zoo]] in [[Kobe]], Japan]]

[[Sexual dimorphism|Differentiation between the sexes]] is not well developed;{{sfn|Tokida|2020}} body size, growth, survival, and feeding habits show negligible difference.{{sfn|Ochiai|Susaki|2002|p=970}} Both sexes have short,{{sfn|Burton|Burton|2002|p=2324}} backwards-curving horns measuring {{convert|12|–|16|cm|in}};{{efn|A mean of {{convert|14.5|cm|in}} for 30 males and {{convert|13.7|cm|in}} for 30 females was found in a 1985 study at [[Gifu University]].{{sfn|Ochiai|Susaki|2002|p=964}} }} the sheaths have a series of transverse rings. Horns begin to develop at about four months{{sfn|Jass|Mead|2004|p=4}} and continue to grow throughout the lifespan.{{sfn|Abe|2008|p=113}}

Environment affects the size of the first growth ring. Size, curvature, and thickness and number of transverse rings are indicative of age. Up to two years, there are thicker transverse rings, of greater length and flexion than in adults. Into adulthood, thinner horn rings force the thick transverse rings upward. Growth increment slows earlier in maturation in females than in males.{{sfn|Jass|Mead|2004|p=4}} Researchers use genitalia and sexual behaviour to distinguish the sexes.{{sfn|Jass|Mead|2004|p=4}} Females have two pairs of [[Mammary gland|mammae]].{{sfn|Jass|Mead|2004|p=2}}

Hearing is sensitive{{sfn|Nawa|2009|p=26}} and eyesight is strong—the serow is able to detect and react to movement from a distance, and it can see well in low lighting. Sense of smell is also strong, and the serow can be observed raising its head and sniffing the air around it.{{sfn|Nawa|2009|p=25}}

==Distribution, ecology, and behaviour==

''Capricornis crispus'' is the only wild bovine [[ruminant]] in Japan,{{sfn|Honda|Tatsukawa|Miura|1987|p=365}} and is [[Endemism|endemic]] to three of the four main islands of Japan:{{sfn|Maruyama|Ikeda|Tokida|1997|p=271}} primarily northern and central [[Honshu]], and small areas in [[Shikoku]] and [[Kyushu]].{{sfn|Maruyama|Ikeda|Tokida|1997|p=271}} It can tolerate colder, snowier climates better than mainland serows.{{sfn|Burton|Burton|2002|p=2324}} The animal is found solitary, in pairs, or in small family groups{{sfn|Tokida|2020}} in open grassland and forests at an elevation of about {{convert|1000|m|ft}},{{sfn|Burton|Burton|2002|p=2323}} and uses caves to rest in.{{sfn|Jass|Mead|2004|p=4}} It prefers [[temperate deciduous forest]], but also lives in broad-leaved or subalpine [[Temperate coniferous forest|coniferous forest]]{{sfn|Tokida|2020}} made up of [[Fagus crenata|Japanese beech]], [[Quercus crispula|Japanese oak]],{{sfn|Doko|Chen|2013|p=53}} [[Alpine tundra|alpine meadow]], and coniferous plantations.{{sfn|Tokida|2020}} [[Population density]] is low, at an average of {{convert|2.6|/sqkm|/sqmi}},{{sfn|Tokida|2020}} and no greater than {{convert|20|/sqkm|/sqmi}}.{{sfn|Abe|2008|p=113}}

[[File:Lightmatter japanese serows.jpg|thumb|300px|alt=A photograph of two small, grey goat-antelopes, resting in a rocky area.|Japanese serows live alone or in small family groups.]]

''C.&nbsp;crispus'' is [[Philopatry|philopatric]]{{sfn|Abe|2008|p=113}} and territorial,{{sfn|Jass|Mead|2004|p=5}} and marks trees with sweet-sour-smelling preorbital gland secretions to indicate its territory.{{sfn|Ono|2000|p=25}} Males and females establish separate, overlapping ranges, typically {{convert|10|–|15|ha|acre}},{{sfn|Knight|2003|p=126}} but the male's is typically larger than the female's.{{sfn|Abe|2008|p=113}} Aggression is rare, but the serow may react with hostility to territorial breaches.{{sfn|Jass|Mead|2004|p=5}} Due to the extinction of its once-primary predator, the [[Honshu wolf|Japanese wolf]], the [[Japanese black bear]] is its only predator. It flees with a whistling snort when it detects danger.{{sfn|Burton|Burton|2002|p=2324}} It is an agile, sure-footed mountain dweller that is able to sprint up mountains and to jump from cliff to cliff to safety; hunters have likened this display of agility to the [[ninja]].{{sfn|Knight|2003|p=130}}

The [[Diurnality|diurnal]]{{sfn|Tokida|2020}} Japanese serow is a [[Browsing (herbivory)|browser]]{{sfn|Jiang et al.|2008|p=1220}} that feeds in early morning and late afternoon, primarily on fleshy or coniferous leaves, plant shoots, and acorns.{{sfn|Tokida|2020}} It feeds on [[alder]], [[Carex|sedge]], Japanese [[witch-hazel]] (''Hamamelis japonica''), and [[Cryptomeria|Japanese cedar]].{{sfn|Burton|Burton|2002|p=2324}} It adjusts its diet to what food is locally available,{{sfn|Natori|Porter|2007|p=1443}} and, as a ruminant, the serow has a four-chambered stomach.{{sfn|Honda|Tatsukawa|Miura|1987|p=368}} Studies indicate that even severe winters have a negligible impact on the serow's food intake, suggesting that, given its solitary social structure, it selects its territory to ensure sufficient food supply.{{sfn|Natori|Porter|2007|p=1456}} Defecation occurs in set locations.{{sfn|Abe|2008|p=113}}

Life expectancies may be up to 20–25 years.{{efn|Estimates place life expectancy at birth at 4.8–6.5 years,{{sfn|Tokida|2020}} }}{{sfnm|1a1=Tokida|1y=2020|2a1=Jass|2a2=Mead|2y=2004|2p=4}} [[Parapoxvirus]] is common, though rarely fatal; infection causes [[Papule|papular]] and [[Nodule (medicine)|nodular]] lesions.{{sfn|Jass|Mead|2004|p=4}} There have been epidemics of [[orf (disease)|contagious pustular dermatitis]].{{sfn|Inoshima|2010|p=701}} Bacteria such as ''[[Escherichia coli|E.&nbsp;coli]]'' and ''[[Lyme disease|Lyme borreliosis]]'' are common,{{sfn|Jass|Mead|2004|p=4}} and ''[[Toxoplasma gondii]]'' has been reported.{{sfnm|1a1=Sakae|1a2=Ishida|1y=2012|1p=224|2a1=Jass|2a2=Mead|2y=2004|2p=4}} ''C.&nbsp;crispus'' is susceptible to numerous parasites, such as the [[nematode]] ''[[Trichuris discolor]]'' and the [[lungworm]] ''[[Protostrongylus shiozawai]]''.{{sfn|Jass|Mead|2004|p=4}}

===Reproduction===

''Capricornis crispus'' is socially [[Monogamous pairing in animals|monogamous]].{{efn|Although the Japanese serow is generally monogamous, a 1996 study showed that 20% of males to be polygynous with two females.{{sfn|Jass|Mead|2004|p=5}} }}{{sfn|Kishimoto|2003|p=147}} Females reach sexual maturity at 30 months.{{sfn|Tokida|2020}} First breeding takes place at age 2.5–3 years; breeding occurs once a year,{{sfn|Burton|Burton|2002|p=2324}} between September and January.{{sfn|Togashi et al.|2009|p=415}} In a [[Courtship display|courtship ritual]] resembling that of goats or gazelles, the male Japanese serow licks the female's mouth, strikes her on the hindlegs with his forelegs, and rubs her genitalia with his horns.{{sfn|Burton|Burton|2002|p=2323}} Both sexes display [[Flehmen response]]s.{{sfn|Jass|Mead|2004|p=5}}

Birth takes place between June and August{{sfn|Burton|Burton|2002|p=2323}} after a [[gestation period]] of about 210–220 days.{{sfn|Jass|Mead|2004|p=3}} It takes about half an hour, and the female walks about during the birth. The single fawn is {{convert|1|ft|cm|order=flip}} tall and reaches adult height in a year.{{sfn|Burton|Burton|2002|p=2324}} The fawn stays with its mother for 1–2 years. It then moves gradually from its mother's range until it establishes its own.{{sfn|Knight|2003|p=126}} Young that do not disperse on their own may be chased away by the mother.{{sfn|Jass|Mead|2004|p=5}}

<gallery caption="''C. crispus'' in its natural habitat" mode="packed" heights="180px">

Nohonkamoshika3.JPG|alt=See caption|Three sure-footed ''C.&nbsp;crispus'' on a snowy incline
Nihonkamoshika2.JPG|alt=See caption|''C.&nbsp;crispus'' mother and child
Capricornis crispus in Mount Sanpoiwa.JPG|alt=See caption|A ''C.&nbsp;crispus'' on Mount Sanpōiwa in the [[Ryōhaku Mountains]]

</gallery>
[[File:Kamoshika in Yamadera side profile.jpg|thumb|218x218px|C. crispus near Rissyakuji Temple]]

==Relationship with humans==
[[File:Wakan Sansai Zue 106.jpg|thumb|alt=Encyclopaedia page featuring a drawing of a deer-like animal. It is surrounded with Japanese writing.|An entry on the serow in the 1712 encyclopaedia ''[[Wakan Sansai Zue]]''.]]

The earliest record of human contact with the serow is of a small number of prehistoric [[Jōmon period]] bones unearthed by archaeologists, primarily in mountainous regions. It is speculated the serow was hunted for its hide and for food.{{sfn|Nawa|2009|p=166}} What is believed to be the earliest written record appears in the ''{{transliteration|ja|[[Nihon Shoki]]}}'' (720): the [[Emperor Tenmu]] (r.&nbsp;672–686) sent the hides of a ''{{transliteration|ja|yamashishi}}'' to senior statesmen; this ''{{transliteration|ja|yamashishi}}'' likely refers to the serow, and recurs elsewhere in the ''Nihon Shoki''.{{sfn|Nawa|2009|pp=166–167}}

The 8th-century ''{{transliteration|ja|[[Man'yōshū]]}}'' contains a [[Waka (poetry)|waka]] poem by [[Kakinomoto no Hitomaro]] that mentions a group of ''shishi''; a number of writers have concluded this animal is the serow, but others have pointed out the serow is normally solitary.{{sfn|Nawa|2009|p=167}} [[Heian period]] (794–1185) documents record gifts of serow horns brought to the capital. Japan's earliest extant medical work, the {{Interlanguage link|Daidōruijuhō|ja|3=大同類聚方|lt=''Daidōruijuhō''}} (808), appears to record the use of serow horn and flesh for medicinal purposes.{{sfn|Nawa|2009|p=168}}

For centuries following the Heian period, mention of the serow becomes scarce. There is some belief that it was still hunted for medicinal use. The [[Edo period]] (1603–1868) saw records increase. The ''{{transliteration|ja|[[Wakan Sansai Zue]]}}'' encyclopaedia of 1712 contains an illustrated entry on the serow. {{Interlanguage link|Laws prohibiting hunting|ja|3=生類憐れみの令}} came into effect, but exceptions were made where animals damaged crops.{{sfn|Nawa|2009|p=168}} Following the [[Meiji Restoration]] in 1868, realistic depictions appeared of the serow, beginning with one in [[Keisuke Ito (botanist)|Keisuke Ito]]'s ''Fauna Japonica'' (1870).{{sfn|Nawa|2009|p=168}}

===Hunting and conservation===

The serow has long been hunted in Japan, especially in northern Japan where, along with bear-hunting, serow-hunting was strongly associated with ''[[matagi]]'' culture. Throughout Japan's mountainous regions, the serow has been a valued catch. Its various body parts are used without waste. Prized in particular is its meat—until the mid-20th century, serow meat was so widely eaten in these regions the animal itself was known as "meat".{{efn|{{nihongo|"Meat"|肉|niku|lead=yes}}{{sfn|Knight|2003|p=145}} }} Its waterproof hides were used for rafters' backflaps, its horns were ground as a preventive against diseases such as [[beriberi]], and a cure for stomach-aches was made from the serow's small intestines and gall bladder.{{sfn|Knight|2003|p=145}}

An animal that once inhabited deep forests far from populated areas, the Japanese serow has increasingly penetrated the outskirts of villages.{{sfn|Knight|2003|p=150}} In western Honshū, it had become extinct by the 20th century.{{sfn|Tokida|2020}} Elsewhere, it had been hunted to such a severe degree that the Japanese government declared it a "Non-Game Species" in a 1925 hunting law. In 1934, the Law for Protection of Cultural Properties designated it a "Natural Monument Species".{{efn|{{nihongo|"Natural Monument"|天然記念物|ten'nen kinenbutsu|lead=yes}} }}{{sfn|Tokida|2020}}

[[Poaching]] continued, leading the government to declare the Japanese serow a "Special Natural Monument" in 1955,{{efn|{{nihongo|"Special Natural Monument"|特別天然記念物|tokubetsu ten'nen kinenbutsu|lead=yes}} }}{{sfn|Maruyama|Ikeda|Tokida|1997|p=271}} at which point overhunting had brought its numbers to 2000–3000.{{sfn|Burton|Burton|2002|p=2323}} Populations grew as the police put an end to poaching, and post-War monoculture conifer plantations created favourable environments for the animal. By the 1980s, population estimates had grown to up to 100,000 and serow range had reached {{convert|40000|km2|mi2}}.{{sfn|Maruyama|Ikeda|Tokida|1997|p=271}} Between 1978 and 2003, its distribution increased 170%, and the population had stabilized.{{sfn|Tokida|2020}}

[[File:Cambridge Natural History Mammalia Fig 176.png|thumb|alt=Black-and-white illustration of a goat-antelope on a rocky hilltop.|''Capricornis crispus'', or the Japanese serow ([[Frank Evers Beddard]],&nbsp;1902).]]

Conflicts with agriculture and forestry led to a 1978 repeal of the full protection the animal received under the 1955 designation. Thenceforth, 13{{efn|15 such areas were originally proposed. Disputes with landowners have prevented their establishment in Kyushu and Shikoku.{{sfn|Tokida|2020}} }} designated protection areas were established over 23 [[Prefectures of Japan|prefectures]].{{sfn|Maruyama|Ikeda|Tokida|1997|p=273}} They cover about 20% of the serow range, have a total area of {{convert|11800|km2|mi2}}, and range in size from {{convert|143|km2|mi2}} to {{convert|2180|km2|mi2}}. Culling removed 20,000 serows outside of conservation areas between 1978 and 2005.{{sfn|Tokida|2020}}

The [[IUCN Red List|IUCN Red List of Threatened Animals]] ranked the Japanese serow as "least concern" in 2008, as it has wide distribution in Japan, and a large, stable or increasing population.{{sfn|Tokida|2020}} The {{Interlanguage link|Law for Protection of Cultural Properties|ja|3=文化財保護法}}{{efn|{{nihongo|Law for Protection of Cultural Properties|文化財保護法|bunkazai hogo-hō|lead=yes}} }} and {{Interlanguage link|Wildlife Protection and Hunting Law|ja|3=鳥獣の保護及び狩猟の適正化に関する法律}}{{efn|{{nihongo|Wildlife Protection and Hunting Law|鳥獣の保護及び狩猟の適正化に関する法律|chōjū no hogo oyobi shuryō no tekiseika ni kansuru hōritsu|lead=yes}} }} provide for the legal management of the Japanese serow. In 1979, the [[Agency for Cultural Affairs]], [[Ministry of the Environment (Japan)|Environmental Agency]], and [[Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (Japan)|Forestry Agency]] reached an agreement on serow management measures, such as the establishment of protection areas and [[culling]] as pest control. The measures were met with resistance from conservationists, naturalist organizations, and some biologists, as the animal had previously been fully protected. A 1999 amendment to the Wildlife Protection and Hunting Law allowed prefectures to manage wildlife populations; by 2007, seven plans had been established for serow management outside of conservation areas.{{sfn|Tokida|2020}}

[[Image:Japanese Serow Wakinosawa 2.JPG|thumb|alt=A photograph of a dark grey goat-antelope in a forest. It stands through trees in the centre distance, body facing left, face towards the camera.|Foresters lament timber damage from the Japanese serow (photo in [[Wakinosawa, Aomori]]).]]

Foresters have raised concerns that the rising serow populations have interfered with post-War mountainside [[reforestation]] efforts, as the animal feeds on the saplings{{sfn|Knight|2003|pp=157–158}} of [[Chamaecyparis obtusa|Japanese cypress]], Japanese cedar, and [[Pinus densiflora|Japanese red pine]], species with commercial significance.{{sfn|Maruyama|Ikeda|Tokida|1997|p=271}} Serow have caused damage to farm crops in mountain villages,{{sfn|Knight|2003|p=137}} and the villagers have objected to conservationists' efforts. Damage by serows to forests has been characterized in parts of Japan in criminal or martial terms: the media have referred to the problems as ''{{transliteration|ja|ningen to shika no sensō}}'' ("the war between humans and deer") and ''{{transliteration|ja|kamoshika sensō}}'' ("serow war").{{sfn|Knight|2003|p=147}}

Frustration with the government and conservationists led 400 foresters to launch a lawsuit in the 1980s over serow damage to timber plantations.{{sfn|Knight|2003|pp=148–150}} Foresters in [[Gifu Prefecture]] have justified the shooting of serows in the legs, as such shooting would not be fatal.{{sfn|Knight|2003|p=147}} Estimating accurate population numbers has been difficult.{{sfn|Knight|2003|p=151}} Foresters see the serow as a harmful animal, and resent government interference in controlling serow-hunting.{{sfn|Knight|2003|p=157}} They have accused the government and wildlife experts of undercounting serows, while conservationists have counteraccused that foresters may inflate population numbers and levels of forestry damage to promote their own interests.{{sfn|Knight|2003|p=151}}

Conservationists such as Shin Gotō believe that the increased visibility is due not to an absolute increase in populations, but to deforestation which has driven the animal further from its traditional home.{{sfn|Knight|2003|p=151}} Serows close to populated areas may feed on farms and cypress, including saplings.{{sfn|Knight|2003|p=152}}

[[Clearcutting]] practices may also contribute to the problem, as clearcut forests create areas of rapid herbaceous growth ideal for herbivores, who see population increases. The situation is temporary, though, and after regrowth of trees leads to the forest canopy closing over after 15–20 years, the herbivore populations are displaced as the herbaceous growth ceases to flourish.{{sfn|Knight|2003|p=152}}

In the 1990s, as the number of young plantations decreased, so did forestry damage from serows. Concern instead turned to damage caused by [[sika deer]], wild boars, and [[Japanese macaque]]s. In Kyushu in particular, increased grazing and browsing competition from sika deer may be slowing growth of serow populations.{{sfn|Tokida|2020}}

[[File:Mt.Kitadake and Mt.Senjogatake from Mt.Nakashirane.jpg|center|thumb|500px|alt=Photo of a mountain range|Conservation areas such as [[Minami Alps National Park]] provide a safe home for ''C.&nbsp;crispus''.]]

===Conservation areas===

{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders"
|+ Japanese serow conservation areas{{sfn|Ono|2000|p=145}}
|-
! scope="col" colspan="2"|Name
! scope="col" rowspan="2"|Established
! scope="col" rowspan="2" data-sort-type="number"|Size<br />ha (acres)
! scope="col" rowspan="2"|[[Prefectures of Japan|Prefecture]](s)
|-
! scope="col"|English
! scope="col"|Japanese
|-
!scope="row"|[[Shimokita Peninsula]]
|''{{transliteration|ja|Shimokita Hantō}}''
|align="right"| {{dts|1981|04|}}
|align="right" data-sort-value="37300"| {{convert|37300|ha|acre|abbr=values}}
|align="left"|[[Aomori Prefecture|Aomori]]
|-
!scope="row"|[[Ōu Mountains|Kita-Ōu Mountains]]
|''{{transliteration|ja|Kita-Ōu Sankei}}''
|align="right"| {{dts|1984|2|}}
|align="right" data-sort-value="105000"| {{convert|105000|ha|acre|abbr=values}}
|align="left"|{{Flatlist|
*Aomori
*[[Akita Prefecture|Akita]]
*[[Iwate Prefecture|Iwate]]}}
|-
!scope="row"|{{Interlanguage link|Kitakami Sankei|ja|3=北上山地}}
|''{{transliteration|ja|Kitakami Sankei}}''
|align="right"| {{dts|1982|7|}}
|align="right" data-sort-value="41000"| {{convert|41000|ha|acre|abbr=values}}
|align="left"|Iwate
|-
!scope="row"|[[Ōu Mountains|Minami-Ōu Mountains]]
|''{{transliteration|ja|Minami-Ōu Sankei}}''
|align="right"| {{dts|1984|11|}}
|align="right" data-sort-value="57700"| {{convert|57700|ha|acre|abbr=values}}
|align="left"|{{Flatlist|
*Akita
*Iwate
*[[Yamagata Prefecture|Yamagata]]
*[[Miyagi Prefecture|Miyagi]]}}
|-
!scope="row"|Asahi—[[Mount Iide|Iide]] Mountains
|''{{transliteration|ja|Asahi—Iide Sankei}}''
|align="right"| {{dts|1985|3|}}
|align="right" data-sort-value="122000"| {{convert|122000|ha|acre|abbr=values}}
|align="left"|{{Flatlist|
*Yamagata
*[[Fukushima Prefecture|Fukushima]]
*[[Niigata Prefecture|Niigata]]}}
|-
!scope="row"|[[Mount Echigo-Komagatake|Echigo]]—[[Mount Nikkō-Shirane|Nikkō]]—[[Mount Mikuni (Gifu)|Mikuni]] Mountains
|''{{transliteration|ja|Echigo—Nikkō—Mikuni Sankei}}''
|align="right"| {{dts|1984|5|}}
|align="right" data-sort-value="215200"| {{convert|215200|ha|acre|abbr=values}}
|align="left"|{{Flatlist|
*Fukushima
*Niigata
*[[Tochigi Prefecture|Tochigi]]
*[[Gunma Prefecture|Gunma]]
*[[Nagano Prefecture|Nagano]]}}
|-
!scope="row"|Kantō Mountains
|''{{transliteration|ja|Kantō Sanchi}}''
|align="right"| {{dts|1984|11|}}
|align="right" data-sort-value="79000"| {{convert|79000|ha|acre|abbr=values}}
|align="left"|{{Flatlist|
*Gunma
*[[Saitama Prefecture|Saitama]]
*[[Tokyo]]
*[[Yamanashi Prefecture|Yamanashi]]
*Nagano}}
|-
!scope="row"|[[Minami Alps National Park|Minami Alps]]
|''{{transliteration|ja|Minami Arupusu}}''
|align="right"| {{dts|1980|2|}}
|align="right" data-sort-value="122000"| {{convert|122000|ha|acre|abbr=values}}
|align="left"|{{Flatlist|
*Yamanashi
*Nagano
*[[Shizuoka Prefecture|Shizuoka]]}}
|-
!scope="row"|[[Hida Mountains|Kita Alps]]
|''{{transliteration|ja|Kita Arupusu}}''
|align="right"| {{dts|1979|11|}}
|align="right" data-sort-value="195600"| {{convert|195600|ha|acre|abbr=values}}
|align="left"|{{Flatlist|
*Niigata
*Nagano
*[[Toyama Prefecture|Toyama]]
*[[Gifu Prefecture|Gifu]]}}
|-
!scope="row"|Shirayama
|''{{transliteration|ja|Shirayama}}''
|align="right"| {{dts|1982|2|}}
|align="right" data-sort-value="53700"| {{convert|53700|ha|acre|abbr=values}}
|align="left"|{{Flatlist|
*Toyama
*[[Ishikawa Prefecture|Ishikawa]]
*Gifu
*[[Fukui Prefecture|Fukui]]}}
|-
!scope="row"|[[Suzuka Mountains]]
|''{{transliteration|ja|Suzuka Sanchi}}''
|align="right"| {{dts|1983|9|}}
|align="right" data-sort-value="14100"| {{convert|14100|ha|acre|abbr=values}}
|align="left"|{{Flatlist|
*[[Shiga Prefecture|Shiga]]
*[[Mie Prefecture|Mie]]}}
|-
!scope="row"|[[Ibuki Mountains|Ibuki]]—[[Hira Mountains|Hira]] Mountains 
|''{{transliteration|ja|Ibuki—Hira Sankei}}''
|align="right"| {{dts|1986|3|}}
|align="right" data-sort-value="67500"| {{convert|67500|ha|acre|abbr=values}}
|align="left"|{{Flatlist|
*Gifu
*Shiga
*Fukui
*[[Kyoto Prefecture|Kyoto]]}}
|-
!scope="row"|[[Kii Mountains]]
|''{{transliteration|ja|Kii Sankei}}''
|align="right"| {{dts|1989|7|}}
|align="right" data-sort-value="79500"| {{convert|79500|ha|acre|abbr=values}}
|align="left"|{{Flatlist|
*Mie
*[[Nara Prefecture|Nara]]
*[[Wakayama Prefecture|Wakayama]]}}
|-
!scope="row"|Shikoku Mountains
|''{{transliteration|ja|Shikoku Sanchi}}''
|align="right"| [[TBA]]
|align="right"| [[TBA]]
|align="left"|{{Flatlist|
*[[Tokushima Prefecture|Tokushima]]
*[[Kōchi Prefecture|Kōchi]]}}
|-
!scope="row"|Kyushu Mountains
|''{{transliteration|ja|Kyushu Sanchi}}''
|align="right"| [[TBA]]
|align="right"| [[TBA]]
|align="left"|{{Flatlist|
*[[Ōita Prefecture|Ōita]]
*[[Kumamoto Prefecture|Kumamoto]]
*[[Miyazaki Prefecture|Miyazaki]]}}
|-
|}

===Cultural significance===

[[File:8Yen stamp in 1952.JPG|thumb|alt=A postage stamp featuring a sepia illustration of a goat-antelope standing on a snow-covered, forested hilltop. Stylized Japanese writing in the top left corner reads: "日本郵便". Immediately below this writing is a large "8".|The Japanese serow featured on a 1952 [[Japanese yen|¥]]8 stamp.]]

Labelled a "living national treasure of the forest",{{efn|{{nihongo|"living national treasure of the forest"|森の生きている国宝|mori no ikiteiru kokuhō|lead=yes}}{{sfn|Knight|2003|p=148}} }} the Japanese serow has achieved emblematic status in Japan with national associations. It is seen as a relic species harking back to the formation of the [[Japanese archipelago]] as distinct from mainland Asia. In a symbolic gesture in 1973, the Chinese government gifted Japan a [[giant panda]], to which the Japanese government returned two Japanese serow. Municipalities and other regions of Japan have adopted the serow as a local symbol.{{sfn|Knight|2003|p=148}}

In Japan, the Japanese serow is most commonly known as ''{{transliteration|ja|kamoshika}}'' or ''{{transliteration|ja|kamoshishi}}''.  It has historically been given a variety of names, often based on its appearance, some of which translate as "mountain sheep", "wool deer", "nine tail cow", and "cow demon". Regional names abound, some of which translate as "dancing beast", "foolish beast", or "idiot". Japanese people often characterize the serow as "weird" or "abnormal", and it is seen as a "phantom animal" as it tends to live alone in the depths of distant forests, and appears to observe forest workers from areas high in the mountains.{{sfn|Knight|2003|pp=129–130}}

The serow has a reputation in Japan for its speed and agility. Superior athletes are compared to the serow, as it is known not only for its agility, but also its sprinting ability. The [[Yamaha Motor Company]] has marketed the [[Yamaha XT 225|XT 225]] sport motorcycle as the Yamaha Serow. In Japanese, the word ''{{transliteration|ja|ochiru}}'' means both "to fail an exam" and "to fall"; as the serow is known for its sure-footedness on mountain cliffs, students can buy ''{{transliteration|ja|[[omamori]]}}'' charms marked with a serow hoofprint in the hope it will help them pass exams.{{sfn|Knight|2003|p=130}}

==See also==
* [[List of Special Places of Scenic Beauty, Special Historic Sites and Special Natural Monuments]]
* [[History of the domestic sheep]]
{{Portal bar|Japan|Mammals}}

==Notes==
{{Notelist}}

==References==
=== Citations ===
{{Reflist|colwidth=20em}}

===Works cited===

====Books====
{{Refbegin|colwidth=40em}}
* {{cite book
|editor-last  = Abe
|editor-first = Hisashi
|title        = 日本の哺乳類 (Nihon no Honyuurui)
|trans-title=A Guide to the Mammals of Japan
|url          = https://books.google.com/books?id=PDukPQAACAAJ
|year         = 2008
|publisher    = [[Tokai University]]
|isbn         = 978-4-486-01802-5
|language     = ja
}}
* {{cite book
|editor1-last  = Burton
|editor1-first = Maurice
|editor2-last  = Burton
|editor2-first = Robert
|title         = International Wildlife Encyclopedia
|url           = https://books.google.com/books?id=_YicMQmIA7wC&pg=PA2323
|year          = 2002
|publisher     = Marshall Cavendish
|isbn          = 978-0-7614-7266-7
|pages         = 2323–2324
}}
* {{MSW3 Artiodactyla <!-- Grubb 2005 -->
|id   = 14200789
|page = 704}}
* {{cite book
|last1        = Honda
|first1       = Katsuhisa
|last2        = Tatsukawa
|first2       = Ryo
|last3        = Miura
|first3       = Shingo
|chapter      = Heavy metal accumulation in wild Japanese serow
|pages        = 365–387
|year         = 1987
|title        = The Biology and Management of Capricornis and Related Mountain Antelopes
|publisher = Springer
|editor-last  = Soma
|editor-first = Hiroaki
|isbn         = 978-94-011-8030-6
}}
* {{cite book
|last1       = Iijima
|first1      = Masahiro
|last2       = Tsuchiya
|first2      = Kimiyuki
|title       = 日本哺乳類大図鑑 (Nihon Honyuurui Daizukan)
|trans-title=The Encyclopedia of Wild Mammals in Japan
|url         = https://books.google.com/books?id=4BxPSwAACAAJ
|year        = 2010
|publisher   = {{Interlanguage link|Kaiseisha|ja|3=偕成社}}
|language    = ja
|isbn        = 978-4-03-971170-0}}
* {{cite book
|last          = Kishimoto
|first         = Ryosuke
|editor1-last  = Reichard
|editor1-first = Ulrich H.
|editor2-last  = Boesch
|editor2-first = Christophe
|editor1-link  = Christophe Boesch
|title         = Monogamy: Mating Strategies and Partnerships in Birds, Humans and Other Mammals
|chapter-url           = https://books.google.com/books?id=zIu2K6KFsXEC&pg=PA147
|year          = 2003
|publisher     = [[Cambridge University Press]]
|isbn          = 978-0-521-52577-0
|chapter       = Social monogamy and social polygyny in a solitary ungulate, the Japanese Serow (''Capricornis crispus'')
|pages         = 147–158
}}
* {{cite book
|last      = Knight
|first     = John
|title     = Waiting for Wolves in Japan: An Anthropological Study of People-Wildlife Relations: An Anthropological Study of People-Wildlife Relations
|url       = https://books.google.com/books?id=iDqxEtYjD4YC
|year      = 2003
|publisher = [[Oxford University Press]]
|isbn      = 978-0-19-158864-8
}}
* {{cite book
|year         = 1987
|isbn         = 978-94-011-8032-0
|title        = The Biology and Management of Capricornis and Related Mountain Antelopes
|editor-last  = Soma
|editor-first = Hiroaki
|chapter      = A preliminary study on the ecology of Formosan serow ''Capricornis crispus swinhoei''
|doi          = 10.1007/978-94-011-8030-6_10
|publisher    = Springer Netherlands
|last         = Lue
|first        = Kuang-Yang
|pages        = 125–133
}}
* {{cite book
|editor-last  = Shackleton
|editor-first = David M.
|last1        = Maruyama
|first1       = N.
|last2        = Ikeda
|first2       = H.
|last3        = Tokida
|first3       = K.
|title        = Wild Sheep and Goats and Their Relatives: Status Survey and Conservation Action Plan for Caprinae
|chapter-url          = https://books.google.com/books?id=hJBodAXB9eoC&pg=PA271
|year         = 1997
|publisher    = IUCN
|isbn         = 978-2-8317-0353-4
|pages        = 271–274
|chapter      = 9.4 Japan
}}
* {{cite book
|last        = Nawa
|first       = Akira
|title       = 森の賢者カモシカ: 鈴鹿山地の定点観察記 (Mori no Kenja Kamoshika: Suzuka Sanchi no Teiten Kansatsu-ki)
|trans-title=Serow, Sage of the Forest: Record of Observation in the Suzuka Mountains
|url         = https://books.google.com/books?id=5iBNQwAACAAJ
|year        = 2009
|publisher   = Sunrise Publishing
|isbn        = 978-4-88325-389-0
|language    = ja
}}
* {{cite book
|last        = Ono
|first       = Yūichi
|title       = ニホンカモシカのたどった道: 野生動物との共生を探る (Nihonkamoshika no tadotta michi: Yasei doubutsu to no kyōsei wo saguru)
|trans-title=The Path Taken by the Japanese Serow: Exploring Symbiosis with Wildlife
|url         = https://books.google.com/books?id=YkqKPQAACAAJ
|year        = 2000
|publisher   = [[Chuokoron-Shinsha]]
|language    = ja
|isbn        = 978-4-12-101539-6
}}
{{Refend}}

====Journals====
{{Refbegin|colwidth=40em}}
* {{cite journal
 |last1   = Atoji
 |first1  = Yasuro
 |last2   = Suzuki
 |first2  = Yoshitaka
 |last3   = Sugimura
 |first3  = Makoto
 |journal = [[Journal of Anatomy]]
 |date    = December 1988
 |issue   = 161
 |pages   = 159–170
 |title   = Lectin Histochemistry of the Interdigital Gland in the Japanese Serow (''Capricornis crispus'') in Winter
 |url     = http://europepmc.org/articles/PMC1262100/pdf/janat00171-0159.pdf&sa=U&ei=st_dUYwJzYOUBcySgcAH&ved=0CBwQFjAC&sig2=uQmZmALIlqgYc9AWHnP0aw&usg=AFQjCNFSGRqxg9dFb300_zV-oHoVZo-bBw
 |format  = PDF
 |pmc     = 1262100
 |pmid    = 3254889
 |volume  = 161
}}
* {{cite journal
 |last1        = Doko
 |first1       = Tomoko
 |last2        = Chen
 |first2       = Wenbo
 |title        = The Geographical distribution and habitat use of the Japanese serow (Naemorhedus crispus) in the Fuji-Tanzawa region, Japan
 |journal      = Journal of Environmental Information Science
 |volume       = 41
 |issue        = 5
 |year         = 2013
 |pages        = 53–62
 |url          = http://web.sfc.keio.ac.jp/~dokochan/doc/doko_etal2013JEIS_serow.pdf
 |access-date  = 2014-06-25
 |archive-date = 2014-07-14
 |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20140714134611/http://web.sfc.keio.ac.jp/~dokochan/doc/doko_etal2013JEIS_serow.pdf
 |url-status   = dead
}}
* {{cite journal
 |last         = Inoshima
 |first        = Yasuo
 |title        = Spatial and Temporal Genetic Homogeneity of Orf Viruses Infecting Japanese Serows (''Capricornis crispus'')
 |journal      = Journal of Veterinary Medical Science
 |volume       = 72
 |issue        = 6
 |pages        = 701–707
 |date         = 2010
 |url          = http://repository.lib.gifu-u.ac.jp/handle/123456789/39514
 |doi          = 10.1292/jvms.09-0467
 |pmid         = 20124763
 |doi-access   = free
 |hdl          = 20.500.12099/39514
 |hdl-access   = free
 |access-date  = 2014-06-30
 |archive-date = 2022-11-26
 |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20221126051635/http://repository.lib.gifu-u.ac.jp/handle/123456789/39514
 |url-status   = dead
}}
* {{cite journal
 |last1        = Jass
 |first1       = Christopher N.
 |last2        = Mead
 |first2       = Jim I.
 |journal      = Mammalian Species
 |issn         = 1545-1410
 |volume       = 750
 |pages        = 1–10
 |title        = ''Capricornis crispus''
 |date         = 15 December 2004
 |doi          = 10.1644/750
 |doi-access   = free
 }}
* {{cite journal
|last1   = Jiang
|first1  = Zhaowen
|last2   = Torii
|first2  = Harumi
|last3   = Takatsuki
|first3  = Seiki
|last4   = Ohba
|first4  = Takahiro
|journal = Zoological Science
|issue   = 12
|pages   = 1220–1226
|date    = 2008
|title   = Local Variation in Diet Composition of the Japanese Serow During Winter
|doi     = 10.2108/zsj.25.1220
|pmid  = 19267649
|ref     = {{SfnRef|Jiang et al.|2008}}
|volume=25|s2cid = 22040240
}}
* {{cite journal
|last1   = Min
|first1  = M. S.
|last2   = Okumura
|first2  = H.
|last3   = Jo
|first3  = D. J.
|last4   = An
|first4  = J. H.
|last5   = Kim
|first5  = K. S.
|last6   = Kim |first6=C. B.
|last7   = Shin |first7=N. S.
|last8   = Lee
|first8  = M. H.
|last9   = Han
|first9  = C. H.
|last10   = Voloshina
|first10  = I. V.
|last11  = Lee
|first11 = H.
|year    = 2004
|title   = Molecular Phylogenetic Status of the Korean Goral and Japanese Serow Based on Partial Sequences of the Mitochondrial Cytochrome ''b'' Gene
|journal = Molecules and Cells
|issue   = 2
|pages   = 365–372
|issn    = 0219-1032
|pmid    = 15179056
|ref     = {{SfnRef|Min, et al.|2004}}
|volume=17|doi = 10.1016/S1016-8478(23)13052-4
|doi-access= free
}}
* {{cite journal
|last1   = Natori
|first1  = Y.
|last2   = Porter
|first2  = W. P.
|year    = 2007
|title   = Model of Japanese Serow (''Capricornis crispus'') Energetics Predicts Distribution on Honshu, Japan
|journal = Ecological Applications
|volume  = 17
|issue   = 5
|pages   = 1441–1459
|issn    = 1051-0761
|pmid    = 17708220
|doi=10.1890/06-1785.1|bibcode = 2007EcoAp..17.1441N
}}
* {{cite journal
|last1   = Ochiai
|first1  = K.
|last2   = Susaki
|first2  = K.
|year    = 2002
|title   = Effects of Territoriality on Population Density in the Japanese serow (''Capricornis crispus'')
|journal = Journal of Mammalogy
|volume  = 83
|issue   = 4
|pages   = 964–972
|jstor   = 1383502
|doi=10.1644/1545-1542(2002)083<0964:eotopd>2.0.co;2|doi-access= free
}}
* {{cite journal
 |title      = Plasma and Fecal Sex Steroid Hormone Profiles During the Estrous Cycle in a Japanese Serow (''Capricornis crispus'')
 |last1      = Togashi
 |first1     = Mikiko
 |last2      = Tsujimoto
 |first2     = Tsunenori
 |last3      = Yamauchi
 |first3     = Kiyoshi
 |last4      = Deguchi
 |first4     = Yoshitaka
 |last5      = Hashizume
 |first5     = Kazuyoshi
 |last6      = Kizaki
 |first6     = Keiichiro
 |last7      = Honjou
 |first7     = Sachika
 |last8      = Izaike
 |first8     = Yoshiaki
 |last9      = Osawa
 |first9     = Takeshi <!--exactly 9 authors-->
 |journal    = Journal of Reproduction and Development
 |volume     = 55
 |issue      = 4
 |pages      = 412–417
 |date       = 2009
 |doi        = 10.1262/jrd.20165
 |pmid       = 19404003
 |url        = https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/jrd/55/4/55_20165/_pdf
 |ref        = {{SfnRef|Togashi et al.|2009}}
 |doi-access = free
}}
* {{cite journal
|last1     = Sakae
|first1    = C.
|last2     = Ishida
|first2    = T.
|title     = Direct Evidence for ''Toxoplasma gondii'' Infection in a Wild Serow (''Capricornis crispus'') from Mainland Japan
|journal   = [[Journal of Parasitology]]
|date=February 2012
|volume    = 98
|issue     = 1
|pages     = 224–225
|doi       = 10.1645/GE-2881.1
|issn      = 1937-2345
|pmid      = 21882974
|s2cid = 7779970
}}
* {{cite journal
|last1   = Liu
|first1  = Wei
|last2   = Yao
|first2  = Yong-fang
|last3   = Yu
|first3  = Qin
|last4   = Ni
|first4  = Qing-yong
|last5   = Zhang
|first5  = Ming-wang
|last6   = Yang
|first6  = Jian-dong
|last7   = Mai
|first7  = Miao-miao
|last8   = Xu
|first8  = Huai-liang
|title   = Genetic variation and phylogenetic relationship between three serow species of the genus ''Capricornis'' based on the complete mitochondrial DNA control region sequences
|journal = Molecular Biology Reports
|date    = 2013
|issue   = 12
|pages   = 6793–6802
|doi     = 10.1007/s11033-013-2796-8
|pmid  = 24057256
|ref     = {{SfnRef|Wei et al.|2013}}
|volume=40|s2cid = 18421161
}}
{{Refend}}

====Web====
{{Refbegin}}
* {{cite iucn <!-- Go away bots --> |last=Tokida |first=K. |date=2020 |title=''Capricornis crispus'' |volume=2020 |page=e.T3811A22151909 |doi=10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-2.RLTS.T3811A22151909.en |access-date=11 November 2021}}
{{Refend}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Capricornis crispus}}
* [http://www.alpine-plants-jp.com/mt_animal_etc/nihonkamosika_1.htm Images] at Flavon's Wild herb and Alpine plants 
* [http://www.ultimateungulate.com/Artiodactyla/Capricornis_crispus.html Japanese serow] at Ultimate Ungulate

{{Artiodactyla|R.3}}
{{Taxonbar|from=Q754034}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Endemic mammals of Japan]]
[[Category:Mammals described in 1870|Japanese serow]]
[[Category:Taxa named by Robert Swinhoe|Japanese serow]]
[[Category:Serows|Japanese serow]]
[[Category:National symbols of Japan]]