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Endangered serow spotted in rare coastal appearance at Prachuap beach

Wildlife officials in Prachuap Khiri Khan province documented an unusual sighting of a serow, a critically endangered mountain-dwelling species, on a local beach. The appearance marks a remarkable departure from the animal's typical habitat in Thailand's highland forests.

LSN Thailand · 4 October 2026

The serow, a stocky goat-antelope native to mountainous regions across Asia, was observed at a beach in Prachuap Khiri Khan province in Central Thailand. The sighting represents a significant anomaly, as the species is rarely encountered outside its preferred high-altitude forest environments. Officials with local wildlife authorities conducted observations of the animal and documented the incident for conservation records.

Serows are classified as critically endangered in Thailand, with populations severely depleted due to habitat loss and poaching. The animals typically inhabit steep, forested terrain in northern and central regions of the country, where they remain elusive and difficult to monitor. Their appearance in lowland coastal areas is exceptionally uncommon and suggests possible displacement from their natural habitat.

Wildlife experts have been notified of the incident to assess the animal's condition and determine the circumstances leading to its unusual coastal appearance. Officials note that such sightings occasionally provide valuable opportunities to study the species' behavior and current population status. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about habitat fragmentation affecting Thailand's rare wildlife populations.