Himalayan Takin

About this species

Weight

Bulls 300–350kg; cows 250–300kg

Diet

Leaves, grasses, bamboo shoots and flowers

Range

Eastern Himalaya; in India, Arunachal Pradesh

Litter size

1 young

Gestation

About 8 months

The takin is a large, muskox-like ungulate of the eastern Himalaya; the resemblance is an example of convergent evolution, and mitochondrial studies place it closer to sheep. The long shaggy coat is light with a dark stripe along the back, and bulls also have dark faces. Both sexes have horns, about 30 cm long and up to 64 cm, that run parallel to the skull before turning up to a short point. Bulls weigh 300–350 kg and cows 250–300 kg. It is the national animal of Bhutan (Wikipedia, general species account).

In India the Mishmi takin occurs in eastern Arunachal Pradesh and the Bhutan takin in western Arunachal Pradesh, and Dihang-Dibang Biosphere Reserve is a stronghold. Takin live in small family groups of around 20, with older males more solitary, gathering at good feeding sites, salt licks and hot springs. They feed in the early morning and late afternoon, on leaves, grasses, bamboo shoots and flowers, and move to lower forested ground in winter. Mating is in July and August, with a single young after about eight months (Wikipedia, general species account).

Description: Wildlife of India guide, Wildlife of Everywhere (wildlifeofeverywhere.com); general species information paraphrased from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA)