Mizoram probes deaths of endangered species

Mizoram's forest and environment department has initiated a probe into the deaths of endangered serows (goat-antelopes) after a large number of carcasses were found in two villages of the state, an official said here on Friday.

"Around 20 serows died in the forest near Serhmun village (in western Mizoram) in past two weeks. Death of eight serows were also reported from Darlawn village (northeastern Mizoram) along Manipur border," a Mizoram forest department official said.

He said forest and wildlife officials had been sent to both the areas to ascertain the cause of the deaths.

"After getting the reports of the visiting officials and analysing the carcasses of the animals, next course of action would be taken," the official added.

Serow is the state animal of Mizoram.