Fearlessly leaping from rock to rock along the face of mountain cliffs, the Formosan serow, or goat antelope, seems to sport constantly with danger. But like many other indigenous animals, it also faces another less obvious danger--in the form of man, who at the same time is taking steps to preserve the species while there is still time.

Mountaineers in Taiwan have often gazed in astonishment at these creatures as they bound from cliff to cliff--their strong and limber bodies twisting suddenly into impossible angles and just as suddenly straightening up again--their movements faultless--the acrobats, the ballet dancers of the mountains.

How do they do it? Besides relying on natural agility and an acute sense of balance, they possess an artiodactylic, or cloven, hoof uniquely suited for their environment. "Their hooves are split to cling tightly to the rock surface, are hard and strong to support stress and are covered with a soft elastic cuticle that reduces friction and prevents them from slipping," explains Professor Lu Kuangyang of National Taiwan Normal University.

Formosan serow inhabit rocky regions from 1000 to 3500 meters high. Adapting to their adverse environment, the antelopes have evolved compact bodies suited for jumping and climbing and thick fur to protect against the cold. Because their perspiratory system is not well developed, their survival rate when kept at warmer altitudes is low. Outside of Taiwan Formosan serow are found only in Japan, where they are somewhat larger and where their coat, normally dark brown, lightens in winter.

Tender buds of fir, hemlock and cypress, wild grass and ivy are their favorite foods, which, the aborigines have observed, they forage for following fixed circuits. It is this habit that enables hunters to set traps for them, selling their meat, which some believe enriches the blood; their skins, which are made into clothing; and even their horns, which are mounted as trophies.

Specialists like Ch'en Pao-chung of the Taipei city zoo, home to three males and five females, have observed that the goats have "a sense of territoriality." Pores beneath their eyes secrete an odoriferous substance that the antelopes use to mark territory.

Like other species, males butt horns during the fall mating season to determine dominance and to win favor with the females. After a gestation period of 221 days, the females give birth to one or two kids in May or June. Four weeks later, both males and females begin to sprout horns. Their maximum life span is estimated at about 15 years.

Unfortunately, many are not so lucky. Professor Lu recently completed a three-year study for the Taipei zoo which revealed that although Formosan serow are still widely distributed, they face "increasing pressure on their existence." This year the Agriculture Development Committee has commissioned Professor Lu to continue research. He concludes: "Although scientific research is painstakingly difficult and results are not immediately apparent, we owe it to these dear creatures to show them more kindness."

(Peter Eberly)