Morphology of the Tongue of a Male Formosan Serow (Capricornis crispus swinhoei)

The morphology of the tongue of an adult Formosan serow was examined to compare it with that of the Japanese serow by macroscopical and scanning electron microscopical observations. The tongue was 13.5 cm in length and 82 g in weight. The apex showed a U-shaped outline. There were 340 fungiform papillae and 23 vallate papillae on both sides. Filiform, fungiform, conical and vallate papillae were found. Annular pads surrounding the vallate papillae were poorly developed. No lenticular or foliate papillae were seen on the dorsal surface. These findings indicate that the tongue of the Formosan serow is smaller and less complex morphologically than that of the Japanese serow.