Whilst the takin has in the past been placed together with themuskox in the tribe Ovibovini, more recentmitochondrial research shows a closer relationship toOvis (sheep).[3] Its physical similarity to the muskox is therefore an example ofconvergent evolution.[4] The takin is thenational animal ofBhutan.[5]
The takin rivals themuskox as the largest and stockiest of the subfamilyCaprinae, which includesgoats,sheep, and similar species. Its short legs are supported by large, two-toed hooves, which each have a highly developed spur.[2][7] It has a stocky body and a deep chest. Its large head is distinctive by its long, arched nose and stouthorns, 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 30 cm (12 in) long, but can grow up to 64 cm (25 in).[2] Its long, shaggy coat is light in colour with a dark stripe along the back,[2] and males (bulls) also have dark faces.[7]
Four subspecies of takin are currently recognised, and these tend to show a variation in coat colour. Their thickwool often turns black in colour on their undersides and legs. Their overall colour ranges from dark blackish to reddish-brown suffused with greyish-yellow in the eastern Himalayas to lighter yellow-grey in theSichuan Province to mostly golden or (rarely) creamy-white with fewer black hairs in theShaanxi Province.
Hair length can range from 3 cm (1.2 in), on the flanks of the body in summer, up to 24 cm (9.4 in) on the underside of the head in winter. The legend of theGolden Fleece sought byJason and theArgonauts[8] may have been inspired by the lustrous coat of thegolden takin (B. t. bedfordi).[7]
In height, takin stand 97 to 140 cm (38 to 55 in) at the shoulder, but measure a relatively short 160–220 cm (63–87 in) in head-and-body length, with the tail adding only an additional 12 to 21.6 cm (4.7 to 8.5 in). Measurements of weights vary, but according to most reports, the males are slightly larger, weighing 300–350 kg (660–770 lb) against 250–300 kg (550–660 lb) in females.[9] Sources including Betham (1908) report that females are larger, with the largest captive takin known to the author, at 322 kg (710 lb), having been female. Takin can weigh up to 400 kg (880 lb) or 600 kg (1,300 lb) in some cases.[10][11]
Instead of relying on localised scent glands, the takin secretes an oily, strong-smelling substance over its whole body, enabling it to mark objects such as trees.[7] A prominent nose with a swollen appearance caused biologistGeorge Schaller to liken the takin to a "bee-stungmoose".[5] Features reminiscent of other familiar horned animals have earned takins such nicknames as "cattle chamois" and "gnu goat".[2]
Takin are found from forested valleys to rocky, grass-covered alpine zones, at altitudes between 1,000 and 4,500 m (3,300 and 14,800 ft) above sea level.[2] The Mishmi takin occurs in easternArunachal Pradesh, while the Bhutan takin is in western Arunachal Pradesh and Bhutan.[12]Dihang-Dibang Biosphere Reserve in Arunachal Pradesh, India is a stronghold of both Mishmi, Upper Siang (Kopu)[13] and Bhutan takins.[14]
Takin are found in small family groups of around 20 individuals, although older males may lead a more solitary existence. In the summer, herds of up to 300 individuals gather high on the mountain slopes.[2] Groups often appear to occur in largest numbers when favourable feeding sites,salt licks, 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.[2] Takin migrate from the upper pasture to lower, more forested areas in winter and favour sunny spots upon sunrise.[2] When disturbed, individuals give a 'cough' alarm call and the herd retreats into thick bamboo thickets and lies on the ground for camouflage.[8]
Takin feed in the early morning and late afternoon, grazing on a variety of leaves and grasses, as well as bamboo shoots and flowers.[8] They have been observed standing on their hind legs to feed on leaves over 3.1 m (10 ft) high. Salt is also an important part of their diets, and groups may stay at a mineral deposit for several days.[2]
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 inMyanmar; during three surveys carried out from 1999 to 2006 in theTachilek market, a total of 89 sets of horns were observed openly for sale.[15]
^Smith, A. T., Xie, Y. (eds.) (2008)A Guide to the Mammals of China. Princeton University Press, Princeton Oxfordshire. Page 472.
^Choudhury, A.U. (2003).The Mammals of Arunachal Pradesh. Regency Publications, New Delhi. 140pp
^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.[1]Archived 2013-04-25 at theWayback Machine- Pseudorcas taxicolor profile by Neas and Hoffman (1987)
^Choudhury, A.U. (2010).Mammals and Birds of Dihang – Dibang Biosphere Reserve, North-east India. Lambert Academic Publishing, Saarbrücken, Germany. 104pp.
^Shepherd, C. R. & Nijman, V. (2016). "Observations of Takin from wildlife markets in Myanmar and a call for further research".Caprinae, Newsletter for the Caprinae Specialist Group:16–19.
