The Guardian of the Himalayas | Unfold the Mysteries of the Takin

 Takin

ABOUT

Looking like a fusion between a goat, bison, bear, and antelope, the Takin ( also called Gnu Goat),doesn’t seem like it’s from our Planet. They’re often referred to as goat antelopes, while in reality they're most closely related to the Barbary sheep.

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Height: 97 to 140 cm (38 to 55 in)

Length: 160–220 cm (63–87 in)  

Weight: 300–350 kg (660–770 lb) 

Life Span: 16–18 years 

Status: Vulnurable

Distribution: South Asia, East Asia, Southeast Asia 

Population size: around 10,000 individuals

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Because of their large build, they have little to no natural enemies other than bears, wolves, leopards, and dholes, and that’s why they usually move slowly. They are herbivores, feeding on grasses, leaves, and fruits. Their slow movement also helps them conserve energy and avoid predators. However, if there’s danger, Takins react quickly and warn others from the herd with a loud sound that resembles coughing that sends them running, usually hiding under some underbush. They also have an intimidating "roar" that looks and sounds like nothing that I've ever seen before…

FUN FACT!

The Takin is considered the animal from which the Golden Fleece is made in Greek mythology. It is a powerful magical item that can cure any living thing. It makes all the plants healthier and can also heal mortals and demigods.

HABITAT AND FAMILY LIFE

Takins live in small family groups of up to 20 individuals, but older males live a more unsociable life. In addition, when summer comes, they form herds of around 300 individuals and gather high up on the mountains, where there are favourable conditions like feeding sites, mineral licks, and hot springs. During that time, they feast on grasses, herbs, and leaves that they can access while standing on their back legs and getting up to 3 m (10 ft) high. On the other hand, during winter, when food becomes hard to find, they move lower in the mountains, where there are more forests and sunny spots during sunrise. While not eating, in most cases, they rest in the dense vegetation and come out only on cloudy days.

CONSERVATION

The main threats that cause their declining population are hunting, domestic animal diseases, and habitat destruction such as farming, mining, road construction, cane and bamboo cutting, and pasture burning. 

Fortunately, India, Bhutan, and China all have laws prohibiting Takin hunting. Surprisingly, the animal, similar to the Great Panda, is considered a National treasure of China and the National animal of Bhutan, and it's fully protected by law. However, as the human population grows, we take more and more from the natural habitat of these fantastic creatures. Also, a large part of the population is unaware of the conservation laws and still proceeds to hunt them for their meat. Studies suggest that Takins are also vulnerable to climate change because the declining snowfall may decrease the growth of alpine grassland. Happily, conservationists give it their all to help the Takins, and currently they can often be seen in zoos.

So that was it! – Now you know more about the Takin. I hope you learned a lot regarding the spectacular wildlife on our planet with The Wildlife Echo!