Takin (Subspecies: Sichuan)
Budorcus taxicolor tibetana
WILD STATUS
Vulnerable.
DISTRIBUTION
China and along the eastern Himalayas in Asia.
SIZE
Length: 1.5 to 2.2 m (5 to 7.3 ft)
Height at shoulder: 1 to 1.5 m (3.3 to 5 ft)
Males: Up to 400 kilograms (880 lbs)
Females: Up to 250 kilograms (550 lbs).
HABITAT
High altitude temperate forests and taiga.
REPRODUCTION
Gestation between 6 and 7 months.
DIET
They are herbivores and will eat almost any vegetation within reach including evergreens, rhododendrons, willow and tree bark.
INTERESTING TIDBITS
- Takins, like giant pandas, are considered national treasures in China.
- They have a body like a bison, horns like a wildebeest, nose like a moose and tail like a bear.
- Takins are closely related to the musk ox.
- These animals have a thick secondary coat which helps keep out the cold in their native habitat. They also have an oily skin which helps serve as a natural raincoat.
- Some people believe that the ancient Greek tale of Jason and The Golden Fleece, actually revolved around a quest to find a Takin’s coat.
- Takins also have very large sinus cavities which help conserve energy by warming up the very cold air before it gets to their lungs.
- They will stand on their back legs to reach high up for leaves to eat and have been known to jump 6 feet high from a stand-still position.
- Takins are hunted for their meat. Habitat loss is another major threat.
ANIMAL FACT SHEET
To download the information from this page and also get a full page photo of the Takin click here for a PDF.
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