Takin

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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

File:(Pee) Takin (Zoorasia Yokohama City).webm
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 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

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  1. ↑ 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
  2. ↑ Script error: No such module "Citation/CS1".
  3. ↑ Script error: No such module "Citation/CS1".
  4. ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  5. ↑ Script error: No such module "Citation/CS1".
  6. ↑ a b c d Macdonald, D. (2001) The New Encyclopedia of Mammals. Oxford University Press, Oxford. via arkive.org
  7. ↑ a b c Huffman, Brent. "Budorcas taxicolor" Ultimate Ungulate via arkive.org
  8. ↑ WWF: Takin
  9. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  10. ↑ Smith, A. T., Xie, Y. (eds.) (2008) A Guide to the Mammals of China. Princeton University Press, Princeton Oxfordshire. Page 472.
  11. ↑ Choudhury, A.U. (2003). The Mammals of Arunachal Pradesh. Regency Publications, New Delhi. 140pp
  12. ↑ 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)
  13. ↑ Choudhury, A.U. (2010). Mammals and Birds of Dihang – Dibang Biosphere Reserve, North-east India. Lambert Academic Publishing, Saarbrücken, Germany. 104pp.
  14. ↑ Script error: No such module "Citation/CS1".
  15. ↑ Script error: No such module "Citation/CS1".
  16. ↑ Script error: No such module "Citation/CS1".

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Further reading

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External links

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