12 Facts About the Takin, Bhutan’s National Animal

Takin | 12 Facts About the Takin, Bhutan's National Animal

The takin, a peculiar and elusive creature, roams the misty mountains of Bhutan. This odd-looking beast, with its goat-antelope features, has captured the hearts of the Bhutanese people, earning its place as their national animal. Despite its importance, many outside Bhutan have never heard of the takin. It’s time to shed some light on this fascinating mammal and explore why it’s so special to the Land of the Thunder Dragon.

A Curious Mix of Goat and Cattle

Takin
Image Credit: Rufus46, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The takin’s appearance is truly one-of-a-kind. With the head of a moose, the body of a bear, and the legs of a goat, it’s no wonder this animal has puzzled scientists for years. Its unique look has earned it the nickname “bee-stung moose” due to its swollen-looking snout. The takin’s scientific name, Budorcas taxicolor, reflects its unusual appearance, with “Budorcas” meaning “ox-like” and “taxicolor” referring to its variable coat colour. Their distinctive golden eyes, set wide apart, give them excellent peripheral vision, crucial for spotting predators in their mountainous habitat.

Native to the Eastern Himalayas

Takin
Image Credit: Tiia Monto, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Takins call the mountainous regions of Bhutan, China, India, and Myanmar home. They thrive in bamboo forests and alpine meadows, often found at elevations between 1,000 and 4,500 metres above sea level. Their ability to survive in such rugged terrain has made them a symbol of strength and resilience in Bhutanese culture. Takins are known to migrate seasonally, moving to higher elevations in summer and descending to lower, more sheltered areas in winter.

Four Distinct Subspecies

Chinese Takin
Image Credit: Vassil, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

There are four recognised subspecies of takin: the Mishmi, Sichuan, Shanxi, and Bhutan takin. Each has its own unique colouration and slight variations in size, adapted to their specific habitats. The Bhutan takin (Budorcas taxicolor whitei) is golden in colour, perfectly camouflaged among the rhododendron and bamboo forests it calls home. The Sichuan takin, found in central China, is the largest of the four subspecies and has a darker, more chocolate-brown coat.

Impressive Size and Weight

Takin
Image Credit: Julien Lepage, CC BY 4.0, via iNaturalistGT

Don’t be fooled by their goat-like appearance – takins are hefty creatures. Males can weigh up to 350 kg, standing about 1.3 metres tall at the shoulder. Females are slightly smaller but still impressively large. This substantial size helps takins withstand harsh mountain conditions and fend off predators like snow leopards and tigers. Despite their bulk, takins are surprisingly agile, capable of running at speeds up to 24 km/h in short bursts.

Built for Harsh Mountain Climates

Golden Takin
Image Credit: Julien Lepage, CC BY 4.0, via iNaturalistGT

Takins sport a thick, woolly coat that keeps them warm in chilly mountain temperatures. Their split hooves and stocky legs make them excellent climbers, able to navigate steep, rocky terrain with ease. The oily secretions from their skin also help waterproof their coat, providing additional protection from the elements. In winter, their coat grows even thicker and develops an insulating layer of air between the hairs, allowing them to withstand temperatures as low as -30°C.

Unusual Nose Structure

Takin
Image Credit: T.Voekler, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The takin’s large, bulbous nose serves a crucial purpose. It warms the cold mountain air before it reaches the lungs, helping the animal survive in its high-altitude home. This adaptation allows takins to breathe comfortably in thin air where oxygen levels are low, giving them a significant advantage in their mountainous habitat. The large nasal cavity also enhances their sense of smell, which is vital for detecting predators and finding food in their often foggy environment.

Salt-Loving Herbivores

Takin
Image Credit: Goyaldevender, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

These creatures are plant-eaters with a particular fondness for salt. They’ll travel great distances to find mineral licks, which provide essential nutrients not found in their usual leafy diet. Takins have been known to eat over 100 different species of plants, including bamboo, willow, and various alpine flowers. Their strong, flexible lips and tongues allow them to strip leaves from branches and reach vegetation in crevices that other animals can’t access.

Social Butterflies of the Mountains

Takin
Image Credit: Chrismind84, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Contrary to their somewhat grumpy appearance, takins are quite social. They often gather in herds of up to 300 individuals during the summer months, splitting into smaller groups for winter. These social bonds are crucial for survival, as larger groups offer better protection against predators and help in finding food sources. Takins communicate through a variety of vocalisations, including grunts, bleats, and whistles, which help maintain group cohesion in their often misty and forested habitats.

Sacred in Bhutanese Culture

Takin
Image Credit: I, -Majestic-, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Legend has it that a Tibetan saint created the takin from the head of a goat and the body of a cow. This mythical origin, combined with their unique appearance, has made them sacred in Bhutanese culture. The takin’s image can be found in various forms of Bhutanese art and handicrafts, symbolising the country’s rich biodiversity and cultural heritage. In traditional Bhutanese medicine, certain parts of the takin were believed to have healing properties, though this practice is now discouraged to protect the species.

Conservation Concerns

Takin
Image Credit: GodeNehler, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Sadly, takins face threats from habitat loss and hunting. They’re listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, with efforts underway to protect these remarkable animals and their mountain homes. Climate change poses an additional threat, as it alters the delicate alpine ecosystems that takins depend on for survival. Conservation efforts include establishing protected areas, implementing anti-poaching measures, and conducting research to better understand takin behaviour and habitat needs.

A Surprising Family Tree

Takin
Image Credit: JoyTek, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Despite their cow-like appearance, takins are more closely related to sheep than cattle. They belong to the subfamily Caprinae, which includes goats, sheep, and muskoxen. Genetic studies have revealed that their closest living relatives are sheep, particularly the wild sheep of Central Asia. Fossil evidence suggests that takins diverged from other Caprinae species around 4 million years ago, making them a unique evolutionary branch within this group.

Bhutan’s Living National Treasure

Takin
Image Credit: Kyaw Thu Oo, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

In 1985, Bhutan declared the takin its national animal. Today, visitors can see these fascinating creatures at the Motithang Takin Preserve in Thimphu, where efforts are made to protect and study this unique species. The preserve not only serves as a sanctuary for takins but also as an educational centre, raising awareness about the importance of wildlife conservation in Bhutan. Researchers at the preserve study takin behaviour, reproduction, and health, contributing valuable data to global conservation efforts for this remarkable species.

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Becky is a fervent wildlife enthusiast and pet care expert with a diploma in canine nutrition. Her love for animals stretches beyond the domestic, embracing the wild tapestry of global fauna. With over a decade of experience in animal welfare, Becky lends her expertise to OutlandishOwl through insightful articles, captivating wildlife information, and invaluable guidance on pet nutrition. Her work embodies a deep commitment to understanding the intricate lives of animals and a passion for educating others on sustaining natural habitats. Becky's hands-on conservation efforts and her knack for translating complex dietary science into practical pet feeding tips make her an indispensable voice for creatures great and small.

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