The takin ( Budorcas taxicolor; ), also called cattle chamois or gnu goat,
Whilst the takin has in the past been placed together with the muskox in the tribe Ovibovini, more recent mitochondrial research shows a closer relationship to Ovis (sheep).
Etymology
The specific name
taxicolor comes from and referring to badger-like coloration.
Appearance
The takin rivals the
muskox as the largest and stockiest of the subfamily
Caprinae, which includes
,
sheep, and similar species. Its short legs are supported by large, two-toed hooves, which each have a highly developed spur.
It has a stocky body and a deep chest. Its large head is distinctive by its long, arched nose and stout horns, which are ridged at the base. Horns are present in both sexes, and run parallel to the skull before turning upwards to a short point; they are about long, but can grow up to .
Its long, shaggy coat is light in color with a dark stripe along the back,
and males (bulls) also have dark faces.
Four subspecies of takin are currently recognised, and these tend to show a variation in coat colour. Their thick wool often turns black in colour on their undersides and legs. Their overall coloration ranges from dark blackish to reddish-brown suffused with grayish-yellow in the eastern Himalayas to lighter yellow-gray in the Sichuan to mostly golden or (rarely) creamy-white with fewer black hairs in the Shaanxi.
The legend of the 'Golden Fleece' sought by Jason and the Argonauts
In height, takin stand at the shoulder, but measure a relatively short in head-and-body length, with the tail adding only an additional . Measurements of weights vary, but according to most reports, the males are slightly larger, weighing against in females.[WWF: Takin] Sources including Betham (1908) report that females are larger, with the largest captive takin known to the author, at , having been female. Takin can weigh up to or in some cases.[Smith, A. T., Xie, Y. (eds.) (2008) A Guide to the Mammals of China. Princeton University Press, Princeton Oxfordshire. Page 472.]
Instead of relying on localized scent glands, the takin secretes an oily, strong-smelling substance over its whole body, enabling it to mark objects such as trees.[Macdonald, D. (2001) The New Encyclopedia of Mammals. Oxford University Press, Oxford. via arkive.org] A prominent nose with a swollen appearance caused biologist George Schaller to liken the takin to a "bee-stung moose."
Distribution and habitat
Takin are found from forested valleys to rocky, grass-covered alpine zones, at altitudes between above sea level.
The Mishmi takin occurs in eastern Arunachal Pradesh, while the Bhutan takin is in western Arunachal Pradesh and Bhutan.
[Choudhury, A.U. (2003). The Mammals of Arunachal Pradesh. Regency Publications, New Delhi. 140pp] Dihang-Dibang Biosphere Reserve in Arunachal Pradesh, India is a stronghold of both Mishmi, Upper Siang (Kopu)
[
Dasgupta, S., Sarkar, P., Deori, D., Kyarong, S., Kaul, R., Ranjitsinh, M. K. & Menon, V. 2010 Distribution and Status of Takin (Budarcos taxicolor)along the Tibet, Myanmar and Bhutan border in India. A report of Wildlife Trust of India submitted to CEPF. 47 pages.
]
-
[3] - Pseudorcas taxicolor profile by Neas and Hoffman (1987)
and Bhutan takins.
[Choudhury, A.U. (2010). Mammals and Birds of Dihang – Dibang Biosphere Reserve, North-east India. Lambert Academic Publishing, Saarbrücken, Germany. 104pp.]
Behaviour and ecology
Takin are found in small family groups of around 20 individuals, although older males may lead more solitary existences. In the summer, herds of up to 300 individuals gather high on the mountain slopes.
Groups often appear to occur in largest numbers when favorable feeding sites,
Mineral lick, or hot springs are located. Mating takes place in July and August. Adult males compete for dominance by sparring head-to-head with opponents, and both sexes appear to use the scent of their own urine to indicate dominance. A single young is born after a gestation period of around eight months.
Takin migrate from the upper pasture to lower, more forested areas in winter and favor sunny spots upon sunrise.
[ Animal Diversity Web (November, 2002)
"Budorcas taxicolor" (University of Michigan Museum of Zoology) via arkive.org] When disturbed, individuals give a 'cough' alarm call and the herd retreats into thick bamboo thickets and lies on the ground for camouflage.
[Huffman, Brent. "Budorcas taxicolor" Ultimate Ungulate via arkive.org]
Takin feed in the early morning and late afternoon, grazing on a variety of leaves and grasses, as well as bamboo shoots and flowers.
Threats
The takin is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and considered Endangered in China. It is threatened by overhunting and the destruction of its natural habitat. It is not a common species naturally, and the population appears to have been reduced considerably. Takin horns have appeared in the illegal wildlife trade in
Myanmar; and during three surveys carried out from 1999 to 2006 in the
Tachileik market, a total of 89 sets of horns were observed openly for sale.
Taxonomy
Relationships with other caprines based on mitochondrial DNA:
In 2022, researchers found that the takin likely represents two species, the Himalayan takin (
B. taxicolor) and the Chinese takin (
B. tibetana).
Further reading
External links
