Himalayan Takin

The takin (Budorcas taxicolor); is a large species of ungulate of the subfamily Caprinae found in the eastern Himalayas. It includes three subspecies, the Mishmi takin (B. t. taxicolor), the golden takin (B. t. bedfordi), and the Bhutan takin (B. t. whitei), and is closely related to the Tibetan (or Sichuan) takin (B. tibetana)

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). Its physical similarity to the muskox is therefore an example of convergent evolution.

The takin is the national animal of Bhutan.

Etymology: The specific name taxicolor comes from and referring to badger-like colour.

 The takin 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 colour with a dark stripe along the back, and bulls also have dark faces. Hair length can range from on the flanks of the body in summer to on the underside of the head in winter. Its short legs are supported by large, two-toed hooves, which each have a highly developed spur. It is among the largest and stockiest of the subfamily Caprinae.

In height, takin stand at the shoulder, but measure a relatively short in head-and-body length, with the tail adding only an additional . Its weights varies, but according to most reports, bulls are slightly larger, with against in females. The largest captive takin weighed .

The takin secretes an oily, strong-smelling substance over its whole body, enabling it to mark objects such as trees. A prominent nose with a swollen appearance caused biologist George Schaller to liken the takin to a "bee-stung moose". Features reminiscent of other familiar horned animals have earned takins such nicknames as "cattle chamois" and "gnu goat".

Distribution and habitat: Takin are found from forested valleys to rocky, grass-covered alpine zones, at altitudes between 1000 and above sea level. The Mishmi takin occurs in eastern Arunachal Pradesh, while the Bhutan takin is in western Arunachal Pradesh and Bhutan. Dihang-Dibang Biosphere Reserve in Arunachal Pradesh, India is a stronghold of both Mishmi, Upper Siang (Kopu) and Bhutan takins.

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. Groups often appear to occur in largest numbers where 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. Takin migrate from the upper pasture to lower, more forested areas in winter and favour sunny spots upon sunrise. When disturbed, individuals give a ´cough´ alarm call and the herd retreats into thick bamboo thickets and lies on the ground for camouflage.

Takin feed in the early morning and late afternoon, grazing on a variety of leaves and grasses, as well as bamboo shoots and flowers. They have been observed standing on their hind legs to feed on leaves over high. Salt is also an important part of their diets, and groups may stay at a mineral deposit for several days.

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.

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).