Naemorhedus

The gorals are four species in the genus ''Naemorhedus''. They are small ungulates with a goat-like or antelope-like appearance. Until recently, this genus also contained the serow species (now in genus '' Capricornis'').

Etymology

The original name is based on Latin ''nemor-haedus'', from ''nemus, nemoris'' 'grove' and ''haedus'' 'little goat', but it was misspelt ''Naemorhedus'' by Hamilton Smith (1827).Article 32.5.1.
of International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature reads: "If there is in the original publication itself, without recourse to any external source of information, clear evidence of an inadvertent error, such as a lapsus calami or a copyist's or printer's error, it must be corrected."

The name "goral" comes from an eastern Indian word for the Himalayan goral.

Extant species

Habitat

Gorals are often found on rocky hillsides at high elevations. Though their territories often coincide with those of the closely related serow, the goral will usually be found on higher, steeper slopes with less vegetation.

Characteristics

Gorals typically weigh and are in length, with short, backward-facing horns. Coloration differs between species and individuals, but generally ranges from light gray to dark red-brown, with lighter patches on the chest, throat, and underside, and a dark stripe down the spine. They have woolly undercoats covered by longer, coarser hair, which helps to protect them in the cold areas where they are often found.

Though the groups share many similarities, gorals are stockier than antelopes and have broader, heavier hooves. Female gorals have four functional teats, while female goats and sheep have only two functional teats. Unlike serows, gorals have no working preorbital glands.

References

{{Taxonbar, from=Q1370188

Caprids