Takins

The takin (Budorcas taxicolor) is a large bovine native to the eastern Himalayas and adjacent mountains in China. It is sometimes described as a goat-antelope due to its rugged build and browsing habits. Takins are stocky animals with a heavy body, short legs, and a thick, shaggy coat that helps withstand cool, mountainous climates. Males have curved horns, and subspecies differ in coat color, with the golden takin displaying a lighter, ochre-tinted appearance.

Taxonomy and subspecies commonly recognized include Budorcas taxicolor taxicolor (the Himalayan takin) and Budorcas taxicolor bedfordi (the golden takin). Some classifications note additional regional forms, but these two are the most widely referenced.

Habitat and range extend across temperate forests, bamboo thickets, and scrub at high elevations, roughly from 1,500 to 4,000 meters, in the eastern Himalayas, Tibet, and parts of China such as Sichuan, Yunnan, and Qinghai, with smaller populations in neighboring regions. Takins often inhabit rugged terrain and river valleys, where they browse on grasses, leaves, and bamboo shoots.

Behavior and ecology: takins are primarily herbivorous and tend to form small social groups, though group size varies with season and food availability. They are more active during the day and at dawn and dusk, using steep terrain as protection from predators and harsh weather.

Conservation status: the takin is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, with populations declining due to habitat loss, fragmentation, and hunting. They are protected in several reserves within their range, and ongoing conservation efforts focus on habitat protection and monitoring.