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{{Speciesbox | {{Speciesbox | ||
| name = Takin | | name = Takin | ||
| image = Takin | | image = Thimphu-Takin-Reservat-06-2015-gje.jpg | ||
| image_caption = Takin at [[ | | image_caption = Takin at [[Motithang Takin Preserve]], Bhutan | ||
| image_upright = 1.1 | | image_upright = 1.1 | ||
| status = VU | | status = VU | ||
| status_system = IUCN3.1 | | status_system = IUCN3.1 | ||
| status_ref = <ref name=iucn>{{cite iucn |author=Song, Y.-L. |author2=Smith, A.T. |author3=MacKinnon, J. |date=2008 |title=''Budorcas taxicolor'' | | | status_ref = <ref name=iucn>{{cite iucn |author=Song, Y.-L. |author2=Smith, A.T. |author3=MacKinnon, J. |date=2008 |title=''Budorcas taxicolor'' |article-number=e.T3160A9643719 |doi=10.2305/IUCN.UK.2008.RLTS.T3160A9643719.en}}</ref> | ||
| status2 = CITES_A2 | | status2 = CITES_A2 | ||
| status2_system = CITES | | status2_system = CITES | ||
| Line 20: | Line 20: | ||
}} | }} | ||
The '''takin''' ('''''Budorcas taxicolor'''''; {{IPAc-en|ˈ|t|ɑː|k|ɪ|n}} | The '''takin''' ('''''Budorcas taxicolor'''''); {{IPAc-en|ˈ|t|ɑː|k|ɪ|n}} is a large species of [[ungulate]] of the subfamily [[Caprinae]] found in the [[eastern Himalayas]].<ref name="diversity"/> It includes four [[subspecies]], the [[Mishmi takin]] (''B. t. taxicolor''), the [[golden takin]] (''B. t. bedfordi''), the [[Sichuan takin|Tibetan (or Sichuan) takin]] (''B. t. tibetana''), and the [[Bhutan takin]] (''B. t. whitei''). | ||
Whilst the takin has in the past been placed together with the [[muskox]] in the tribe Ovibovini, more recent [[mitochondrial DNA|mitochondrial]] research shows a closer relationship to ''[[Ovis]]'' (sheep).<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Zhou |first1=M |last2=Yu |first2=J |last3=Li |first3=B |last4=Ouyang |first4=B |last5=Yang |first5=J |title=The complete mitochondrial genome of Budorcas taxicolor tibetana (Artiodactyla: Bovidae) and comparison with other Caprinae species: Insight into the phylogeny of the genus Budorcas |date=2019 |journal=International Journal of Biological Macromolecules|volume=121|pages=223–232|doi=10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2018.10.020|pmid=30296464|s2cid=52940552 |url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0141813018322189|access-date=2021-04-20|url-access=subscription }}</ref> Its physical similarity to the muskox is therefore an example of [[convergent evolution]].<ref>{{cite journal | url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1055790397904231 | doi=10.1006/mpev.1997.0423 | title=CytochromeBSequences Suggest Convergent Evolution of the Asian Takin and Arctic Muskox | journal=Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution | date=December 1997 | volume=8 | issue=3 | pages=363–374 | last1=Groves | first1=Pamela | last2=Shields | first2=Gerald F. | pmid=9417894 | bibcode=1997MolPE...8..363G | url-access=subscription }}</ref> The takin is the [[national animal]] of [[Bhutan]].<ref name="BrownArmington2007">{{cite book|editor=Lindsay Brown|editor2=Stan Armington|title=Bhutan|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=s-L8NUlW_QgC&pg=PA87|access-date=15 September 2011|year=2007|publisher=Lonely Planet|isbn=978-1-74059-529-2|page=87|chapter= The Takin - Bhutan's National Animal|author=Tashi Wangchuk}}</ref> | Whilst the takin has in the past been placed together with the [[muskox]] in the tribe Ovibovini, more recent [[mitochondrial DNA|mitochondrial]] research shows a closer relationship to ''[[Ovis]]'' (sheep).<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Zhou |first1=M |last2=Yu |first2=J |last3=Li |first3=B |last4=Ouyang |first4=B |last5=Yang |first5=J |title=The complete mitochondrial genome of Budorcas taxicolor tibetana (Artiodactyla: Bovidae) and comparison with other Caprinae species: Insight into the phylogeny of the genus Budorcas |date=2019 |journal=International Journal of Biological Macromolecules|volume=121|pages=223–232|doi=10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2018.10.020|pmid=30296464|s2cid=52940552 |url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0141813018322189|access-date=2021-04-20|url-access=subscription }}</ref> Its physical similarity to the muskox is therefore an example of [[convergent evolution]].<ref>{{cite journal | url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1055790397904231 | doi=10.1006/mpev.1997.0423 | title=CytochromeBSequences Suggest Convergent Evolution of the Asian Takin and Arctic Muskox | journal=Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution | date=December 1997 | volume=8 | issue=3 | pages=363–374 | last1=Groves | first1=Pamela | last2=Shields | first2=Gerald F. | pmid=9417894 | bibcode=1997MolPE...8..363G | url-access=subscription }}</ref> The takin is the [[national animal]] of [[Bhutan]].<ref name="BrownArmington2007">{{cite book|editor=Lindsay Brown|editor2=Stan Armington|title=Bhutan|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=s-L8NUlW_QgC&pg=PA87|access-date=15 September 2011|year=2007|publisher=Lonely Planet|isbn=978-1-74059-529-2|page=87|chapter= The Takin - Bhutan's National Animal|author=Tashi Wangchuk}}</ref> | ||
==Etymology== | ==Etymology== | ||
The specific name ''taxicolor'' comes from {{langx|la|taxus||badger}} and {{langx|la|color||hue|label=none}} referring to badger-like | The specific name ''taxicolor'' comes from {{langx|la|taxus||badger}} and {{langx|la|color||hue|label=none}} referring to [[badger]]-like colour.<ref>{{cite journal|first1=John F.|last1=Neas|first2=Robert S.|last2=Hoffmann|journal=Mammalian Species|title=Budorcas taxicolor|pages=1–7| date=27 February 1987|issue=277 |jstor=3503907|issn=0076-3519|doi=10.2307/3503907|doi-access=free}}</ref> | ||
==Appearance== | ==Appearance== | ||
The takin rivals the muskox as the largest and stockiest of the subfamily [[Caprinae]], which includes [[goat]]s, [[sheep]], and similar species. Its short legs are supported by large, two-toed hooves, which each have a highly developed spur.<ref name="diversity" /><ref name="macdonald" /> It has a stocky body and a deep chest. Its large head is distinctive by its long, arched nose and stout [[horn (anatomy)|horn]]s, 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 {{cvt|30|cm}} long, but can grow up to {{cvt|64|cm}}.<ref name="diversity" /> Its long, shaggy coat is light in | The takin rivals the [[muskox]] as the largest and stockiest of the subfamily [[Caprinae]], which includes [[goat]]s, [[sheep]], and similar species. Its short legs are supported by large, two-toed hooves, which each have a highly developed spur.<ref name="diversity" /><ref name="macdonald" /> It has a stocky body and a deep chest. Its large head is distinctive by its long, arched nose and stout [[horn (anatomy)|horn]]s, 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 {{cvt|30|cm}} long, but can grow up to {{cvt|64|cm}}.<ref name="diversity" /> Its long, shaggy coat is light in colour with a dark stripe along the back,<ref name="diversity" /> and males (bulls) also have dark faces.<ref name="macdonald" /> | ||
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 | 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 colour ranges from dark blackish to reddish-brown suffused with greyish-yellow in the eastern Himalayas to lighter yellow-grey in the [[Sichuan|Sichuan Province]] to mostly golden or (rarely) creamy-white with fewer black hairs in the [[Shaanxi|Shaanxi Province]]. | ||
The legend of the | Hair length can range from {{cvt|3|cm}}, on the flanks of the body in summer, up to {{cvt|24|cm}} on the underside of the head in winter. The legend of the [[Golden Fleece]] sought by [[Jason]] and the [[Argonauts]]<ref name="huffman" /> may have been inspired by the lustrous coat of the [[golden takin]] (''B. t. bedfordi'').<ref name="macdonald" /> | ||
In height, takin stand {{cvt|97|to|140|cm}} at the shoulder, but measure a relatively short {{cvt|160|-|220|cm}} in head-and-body length, with the tail adding only an additional {{cvt|12|to|21.6|cm}}. Measurements of weights vary, but according to most reports, the males are slightly larger, weighing {{cvt|300|-|350|kg}} against {{cvt|250|-|300|kg}} in females.<ref>WWF: [http://wwf.panda.org/what_we_do/endangered_species/giant_panda/panda/where_panda_lives_habitat/qinling/takin/ Takin]</ref> Sources including Betham (1908) report that females are larger, with the largest captive takin known to the author, at {{cvt|322|kg}}, having been female. Takin can weigh up to {{cvt|400|kg}} or {{cvt|600|kg}} in some cases.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Budorcas_taxicolor.html|title=Budorcas taxicolor (takin)|website=Animal Diversity Web|access-date=21 March 2018}}</ref><ref>Smith, A. T., Xie, Y. (eds.) (2008) [https://books.google.com/books?id=ka-9f68nPT4C&pg=PA472 ''A Guide to the Mammals of China'']. Princeton University Press, Princeton Oxfordshire. Page 472.</ref> | In height, takin stand {{cvt|97|to|140|cm}} at the shoulder, but measure a relatively short {{cvt|160|-|220|cm}} in head-and-body length, with the tail adding only an additional {{cvt|12|to|21.6|cm}}. Measurements of weights vary, but according to most reports, the males are slightly larger, weighing {{cvt|300|-|350|kg}} against {{cvt|250|-|300|kg}} in females.<ref>WWF: [http://wwf.panda.org/what_we_do/endangered_species/giant_panda/panda/where_panda_lives_habitat/qinling/takin/ Takin]</ref> Sources including Betham (1908) report that females are larger, with the largest captive takin known to the author, at {{cvt|322|kg}}, having been female. Takin can weigh up to {{cvt|400|kg}} or {{cvt|600|kg}} in some cases.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Budorcas_taxicolor.html|title=Budorcas taxicolor (takin)|website=Animal Diversity Web|access-date=21 March 2018}}</ref><ref>Smith, A. T., Xie, Y. (eds.) (2008) [https://books.google.com/books?id=ka-9f68nPT4C&pg=PA472 ''A Guide to the Mammals of China'']. Princeton University Press, Princeton Oxfordshire. Page 472.</ref> | ||
Instead of relying on | 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.<ref name="macdonald">Macdonald, D. (2001) ''The New Encyclopedia of Mammals''. Oxford University Press, Oxford. via arkive.org</ref> A prominent nose with a swollen appearance caused biologist [[George Schaller]] to liken the takin to a "bee-stung [[moose]]".<ref name="BrownArmington2007" /> Features reminiscent of other familiar horned animals have earned takins such nicknames as "cattle chamois" and "gnu goat".<ref name="diversity"/> | ||
==Distribution and habitat== | ==Distribution and habitat== | ||
Takin are found from forested valleys to rocky, grass-covered alpine zones, at altitudes between {{convert|1000|and|4500|m|abbr=on}} above sea level.<ref name="diversity" /> The Mishmi takin occurs in eastern [[Arunachal Pradesh]], while the Bhutan takin is in western Arunachal Pradesh and Bhutan.<ref>Choudhury, A.U. (2003). ''The Mammals of Arunachal Pradesh''. Regency Publications, New Delhi. 140pp</ref><!--There are also records from [[Sikkim]].{{citation needed|date=September 2011}}--> [[Dihang-Dibang Biosphere Reserve]] in Arunachal Pradesh, India is a stronghold of both Mishmi, Upper Siang (Kopu)<ref> | Takin are found from forested valleys to rocky, grass-covered alpine zones, at altitudes between {{convert|1000|and|4500|m|abbr=on}} above sea level.<ref name="diversity" /> The Mishmi takin occurs in eastern [[Arunachal Pradesh]], while the Bhutan takin is in western Arunachal Pradesh and Bhutan.<ref>Choudhury, A.U. (2003). ''The Mammals of Arunachal Pradesh''. Regency Publications, New Delhi. 140pp</ref><!--There are also records from [[Sikkim]].{{citation needed|date=September 2011}}--> [[Dihang-Dibang Biosphere Reserve]] in Arunachal Pradesh, India is a stronghold of both Mishmi, Upper Siang (Kopu)<ref>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. [http://www.science.smith.edu/msi/pdf/i0076-3519-277-01-0001.pdf] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130425175030/http://www.science.smith.edu/msi/pdf/i0076-3519-277-01-0001.pdf|date=2013-04-25}}- Pseudorcas taxicolor profile by Neas and Hoffman (1987)</ref> and Bhutan takins.<ref>Choudhury, A.U. (2010). ''Mammals and Birds of Dihang – Dibang Biosphere Reserve, North-east India''. Lambert Academic Publishing, Saarbrücken, Germany. 104pp.</ref> | ||
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. | |||
</ref> and Bhutan takins.<ref>Choudhury, A.U. (2010). ''Mammals and Birds of Dihang – Dibang Biosphere Reserve, North-east India''. Lambert Academic Publishing, Saarbrücken, Germany. 104pp.</ref> | |||
==Behaviour and ecology== | ==Behaviour and ecology== | ||
[[File:%28Pee%29_Takin_%28Zoorasia_Yokohama_City%29.webm|thumb|Video of a takin [[scent-rubbing]] in [[Yokohama Zoo]]]] | [[File:%28Pee%29_Takin_%28Zoorasia_Yokohama_City%29.webm|thumb|Video of a takin [[scent-rubbing]] in [[Yokohama Zoo]]]] | ||
Takin are found in small family groups of around 20 individuals, although older males may lead more solitary | 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.<ref name="diversity" /> Groups often appear to occur in largest numbers when favourable feeding sites, [[Mineral lick|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.<ref name="diversity" /> Takin migrate from the upper pasture to lower, more forested areas in winter and favour sunny spots upon sunrise.<ref name="diversity">''Animal Diversity Web'' (November 2002) [http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/accounts/budorcas/b._taxicolor$narrative.html "Budorcas taxicolor"] (University of Michigan Museum of Zoology) via arkive.org</ref> When disturbed, individuals give a 'cough' alarm call and the herd retreats into thick bamboo thickets and lies on the ground for camouflage.<ref name="huffman">Huffman, Brent. [http://www.ultimateungulate.com/Artiodactyla/Budorcas_taxicolor.html "Budorcas taxicolor"] ''Ultimate Ungulate'' via arkive.org</ref> | ||
[http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/accounts/budorcas/b._taxicolor$narrative.html "Budorcas taxicolor"] (University of Michigan Museum of Zoology) via arkive.org</ref> When disturbed, individuals give a 'cough' alarm call and the herd retreats into thick bamboo thickets and lies on the ground for camouflage.<ref name="huffman">Huffman, Brent. [http://www.ultimateungulate.com/Artiodactyla/Budorcas_taxicolor.html "Budorcas taxicolor"] ''Ultimate Ungulate'' via arkive.org</ref> | |||
Takin feed in the early morning and late afternoon, grazing on a variety of leaves and grasses, as well as bamboo shoots and flowers.<ref name="huffman" /> They have been observed standing on their hind legs to feed on leaves over {{convert|3.1|m|ft|abbr=on}} high. Salt is also an important part of their diets, and groups may stay at a mineral deposit for several days.<ref name="diversity" /> | Takin feed in the early morning and late afternoon, grazing on a variety of leaves and grasses, as well as bamboo shoots and flowers.<ref name="huffman" /> They have been observed standing on their hind legs to feed on leaves over {{convert|3.1|m|ft|abbr=on}} high. Salt is also an important part of their diets, and groups may stay at a mineral deposit for several days.<ref name="diversity" /> | ||
==Threats== | ==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]]; | 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]]; during three surveys carried out from 1999 to 2006 in the [[Tachileik|Tachilek]] market, a total of 89 sets of horns were observed openly for sale.<ref>{{cite journal |author1=Shepherd, C. R. |name-list-style=amp |author2=Nijman, V. |year=2016 |title=Observations of Takin from wildlife markets in Myanmar and a call for further research |journal=Caprinae, Newsletter for the Caprinae Specialist Group |volume= |issue= |pages=16–19 |url=}}</ref> | ||
== Taxonomy == | == Taxonomy == | ||
| Line 119: | Line 114: | ||
}} | }} | ||
}}}} | }}}} | ||
In 2022, researchers found that the takin likely represents two species, the Himalayan takin (''B. taxicolor'') and the Chinese takin (''B. tibetana'').<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Lin |first1=Yang |last2=Wei |first2=Fuwen |last3=Zhan |first3=Xiangjiang |last4=Huizhong |first4=Fan |last5=Zhao |first5=Pengpeng |title=Evolutionary Conservation Genomics Reveals Recent Speciation and Local Adaptation in Threatened Takins |date=2022 |journal=Molecular Biology and Evolution|volume=39|issue=6|pages= | In 2022, researchers found that the takin likely represents two species, the Himalayan takin (''B. taxicolor'') and the Chinese takin (''B. tibetana'').<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Lin |first1=Yang |last2=Wei |first2=Fuwen |last3=Zhan |first3=Xiangjiang |last4=Huizhong |first4=Fan |last5=Zhao |first5=Pengpeng |title=Evolutionary Conservation Genomics Reveals Recent Speciation and Local Adaptation in Threatened Takins |date=2022 |journal=Molecular Biology and Evolution|volume=39|issue=6|pages=1–17|article-number=msac111 |doi=10.1093/molbev/msac111 |pmid=35599233 |url=https://academic.oup.com/mbe/article/39/6/msac111/6590449?login=false|access-date=2025-03-19|pmc=9174980 }}</ref> | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
{{Reflist}} | {{Reflist}} | ||
==Further reading== | ==Further reading== | ||
| Line 129: | Line 123: | ||
==External links== | ==External links== | ||
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fyqjtn2Ahps Wild creamy-white golden takins (''B. t. bedfordi'') in China] | |||
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fyqjtn2Ahps Wild creamy-white | |||
{{Artiodactyla|R.3}} | {{Artiodactyla|R.3}} | ||
Latest revision as of 21:33, 19 November 2025
Template:Short description Template:Speciesbox
The takin (Budorcas taxicolor); Template:IPAc-en is a large species of ungulate of the subfamily Caprinae found in the eastern Himalayas.[1] It includes four subspecies, the Mishmi takin (B. t. taxicolor), the golden takin (B. t. bedfordi), the Tibetan (or Sichuan) takin (B. t. tibetana), and the Bhutan takin (B. t. whitei).
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).[2] Its physical similarity to the muskox is therefore an example of convergent evolution.[3] The takin is the national animal of Bhutan.[4]
Etymology
The specific name taxicolor comes from Template:Langx and Template:Langx referring to badger-like colour.[5]
Appearance
The takin rivals the muskox as the largest and stockiest of the subfamily Caprinae, which includes goats, sheep, and similar species. Its short legs are supported by large, two-toed hooves, which each have a highly developed spur.[1][6] 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 Template:Cvt long, but can grow up to Template:Cvt.[1] Its long, shaggy coat is light in colour with a dark stripe along the back,[1] and males (bulls) also have dark faces.[6]
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 colour ranges from dark blackish to reddish-brown suffused with greyish-yellow in the eastern Himalayas to lighter yellow-grey in the Sichuan Province to mostly golden or (rarely) creamy-white with fewer black hairs in the Shaanxi Province.
Hair length can range from Template:Cvt, on the flanks of the body in summer, up to Template:Cvt on the underside of the head in winter. The legend of the Golden Fleece sought by Jason and the Argonauts[7] may have been inspired by the lustrous coat of the golden takin (B. t. bedfordi).[6]
In height, takin stand Template:Cvt at the shoulder, but measure a relatively short Template:Cvt in head-and-body length, with the tail adding only an additional Template:Cvt. Measurements of weights vary, but according to most reports, the males are slightly larger, weighing Template:Cvt against Template:Cvt in females.[8] Sources including Betham (1908) report that females are larger, with the largest captive takin known to the author, at Template:Cvt, having been female. Takin can weigh up to Template:Cvt or Template:Cvt in some cases.[9][10]
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.[6] A prominent nose with a swollen appearance caused biologist George Schaller to liken the takin to a "bee-stung moose".[4] Features reminiscent of other familiar horned animals have earned takins such nicknames as "cattle chamois" and "gnu goat".[1]
Distribution and habitat
Takin are found from forested valleys to rocky, grass-covered alpine zones, at altitudes between Script error: No such module "convert". above sea level.[1] The Mishmi takin occurs in eastern Arunachal Pradesh, while the Bhutan takin is in western Arunachal Pradesh and Bhutan.[11] Dihang-Dibang Biosphere Reserve in Arunachal Pradesh, India is a stronghold of both Mishmi, Upper Siang (Kopu)[12] and Bhutan takins.[13]
Behaviour and ecology
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.[1] 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.[1] Takin migrate from the upper pasture to lower, more forested areas in winter and favour sunny spots upon sunrise.[1] When disturbed, individuals give a 'cough' alarm call and the herd retreats into thick bamboo thickets and lies on the ground for camouflage.[7]
Takin feed in the early morning and late afternoon, grazing on a variety of leaves and grasses, as well as bamboo shoots and flowers.[7] They have been observed standing on their hind legs to feed on leaves over Script error: No such module "convert". high. Salt is also an important part of their diets, and groups may stay at a mineral deposit for several days.[1]
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; during three surveys carried out from 1999 to 2006 in the Tachilek market, a total of 89 sets of horns were observed openly for sale.[14]
Taxonomy
Relationships with other caprines based on mitochondrial DNA:[15]Script error: No such module "Clade". In 2022, researchers found that the takin likely represents two species, the Himalayan takin (B. taxicolor) and the Chinese takin (B. tibetana).[16]
References
<templatestyles src="Reflist/styles.css" />
- ↑ a b c d e f g h i j Animal Diversity Web (November 2002) "Budorcas taxicolor" (University of Michigan Museum of Zoology) via arkive.org
- ↑ Script error: No such module "Citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "Citation/CS1".
- ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "Citation/CS1".
- ↑ a b c d Macdonald, D. (2001) The New Encyclopedia of Mammals. Oxford University Press, Oxford. via arkive.org
- ↑ a b c Huffman, Brent. "Budorcas taxicolor" Ultimate Ungulate via arkive.org
- ↑ WWF: Takin
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ 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] Template:Webarchive- 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.
- ↑ Script error: No such module "Citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "Citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "Citation/CS1".
Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
Further reading
- Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
External links
Script error: No such module "Navbox". Template:Taxonbar