The takin is a large, stocky, hoofed mammal that is native to the eastern Himalayas and southwestern China. Its closest relatives are the muskox and the sheep, and it is believed to have evolved from an ancestor common to both of these groups. The takin’s origins can be traced back to the Tertiary period, over 20 million years ago.
Takins are found in Bhutan, China, India, and Myanmar. The exact route by which takins reached India is not known, but it is believed that they migrated from Tibet through the high mountain passes of the eastern Himalayas. They have been present in India for thousands of years and are an important part of the country’s wildlife heritage. In India, takins are found in the states of Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, and Uttarakhand, where they inhabit high-altitude forests and grasslands. They are sometimes referred to as the national animal of Bhutan.
Distribution and Population
Takin is distributed in a few isolated pockets in India, primarily in the eastern Himalayas. They are found in the states of Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim. In Arunachal Pradesh, they are found in the protected areas of Sessa Orchid Sanctuary, Pakhui Tiger Reserve, and Namdapha National Park. In Sikkim, they are found in Khangchendzonga National Park.
The population of takin in India is estimated to be around 1,000-1,200 individuals. The population is considered to be stable, but they face threats such as habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict. The Indian government has taken steps to protect the species, including designating several protected areas where they can live without disturbance and implementing anti-poaching measures to prevent illegal hunting. Additionally, community-based conservation programs have been established to involve local people in takin conservation
Features
Appearance
The takin is a large, stocky, and muscular ungulate, with a broad, flattened head and a short, thick neck. They have a dense, shaggy coat that is brown to golden-yellow in color. Takins can weigh up to 400 kg (880 lbs) and stand up to 1.3 meters (4.3 ft) tall at the shoulder. Male takins are generally larger than females, with longer horns and a thicker neck. Female takins have smaller horns, are slightly smaller in size, and lack the thick neck of males.
Lifestyle
Takins are found in high-altitude areas, ranging from 1,000 to 4,500 meters (3,300 to 14,800 ft) above sea level. They are primarily herbivorous and feed on a variety of plants, including bamboo, leaves, and grasses. Takins are generally solitary or live in small groups, and are active during the day, spending most of their time foraging for food.
Takins mate in the fall and females give birth to a single offspring after a gestation period of around 7-8 months. Offspring typically reach adulthood around 3-4 years of age.
Food Habits
Takins are primarily herbivorous and feed on a variety of plants, including bamboo, leaves, and grasses.
Habitat
They are found in high-altitude areas with steep slopes and rugged terrain, and prefer forests and alpine meadows. They are adapted to cold weather and are capable of withstanding harsh winter conditions.
Vulnerable Species
The takin is considered a vulnerable species. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species has listed the Sichuan takin (Budorcas taxicolor tibetana) and the Mishmi takin (Budorcas taxicolor taxicolor), both subspecies of takin found in China and India, as Vulnerable since 2008.
The takin is vulnerable due to several factors, including habitat loss and fragmentation, hunting, and disease. Takin populations are declining due to habitat destruction caused by deforestation, agriculture, and infrastructure development. Hunting of takin for their meat and for use in traditional medicine also poses a threat to their survival. Additionally, diseases such as foot and mouth disease, which can be transmitted from domestic livestock, can have a devastating impact on takin populations. The overall impact of climate change on their habitat and food sources is also a potential threat to takin. Conservation efforts are being undertaken to protect takin populations, but continued monitoring and protection measures are needed to ensure their survival in the wild.
Protected Areas
Namdapha National Park is located in Arunachal Pradesh and is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including the takin. It covers an area of around 1,985 square kilometers and is one of the largest protected areas in the Eastern Himalayas. The park is known for its scenic beauty, with high mountains, dense forests, and several rivers and streams.
Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary is also located in Arunachal Pradesh and is named after the Dibang River, which flows through the area. It covers an area of around 4,149 square kilometers and is one of the largest protected areas in India. The sanctuary is home to a variety of wildlife species, including the takin, as well as clouded leopards, snow leopards, and red pandas.
Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary is also located in Arunachal Pradesh, covers an area of around 862 square kilometers, and is known for its diverse flora and fauna. It is home to several endangered species, including the takin, as well as elephants, tigers, and leopards.
Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh and covers an area of around 218 square kilometers. It is known for its rich biodiversity and is home to several bird species, including the rare Bugun Liocichla. The sanctuary is also home to the takin and several other species of mammals.
Jigme Dorji National Park is located in Bhutan, shares a border with India, and is one of the largest protected areas in the country. It covers an area of around 4,349 square kilometers and is home to a variety of wildlife, including the takin, as well as snow leopards, musk deer, and blue sheep. The park is also known for its high mountain peaks and stunning landscapes.
Conservation of the Species
Protecting and conserving their natural habitats is one of the most effective ways to ensure the survival of these species. This can be achieved through the creation and management of protected areas, such as national parks and wildlife reserves, and the restoration of degraded habitats.
Illegal hunting and poaching of these species is a major threat to their survival. Effective anti-poaching measures, such as increased patrols, community-based monitoring programs, and strong enforcement of wildlife laws, can help to reduce this threat.
Raising public awareness about the importance of these species and their conservation can help to reduce the demand for their products, such as fur and body parts, and reduce human-wildlife conflict.
Education and awareness programs aimed at local communities and hunters can also help to reduce the illegal hunting of these species.
Gathering more information about these species, including their population sizes, distribution, and ecological needs can help to inform conservation efforts and improve our understanding of their conservation status.
In some cases, conservation breeding programs may be necessary to support the recovery of populations that are at risk of extinction. This involves breeding individuals in captivity and then releasing them back into the wild, once sufficient populations have been established.
