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Fast Facts:

  • The Takin is one of the largest and stockiest of the goat antelopes.

  • The mythological golden fleece is supposed to have come from the Takin.

  • Rearing up, a Takin can balance on its hind legs to nip off branch tips 8 feet above ground. It may prop its forelegs or just its chest against a tree trunk and then lean forward until the trunk snaps.

Takin

Scientific Name Budorcas Taxicolor Bedfordi
Classification Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Mammalia Order: Artiodactyla Family: Bovidae
Status Endangered
Range China
Habitat Forested valleys to grass covered alpine zones above 4,000 feet
Diet Leaves, leaves, buds and grasses
Size Length: 6.5-7.5 feet
Height: 50 inches
Weight: 1,400 pounds for males and 1,000 for females
Lifespan 12 - 15 yrs.
Location
Print Fact Sheet Takin

Special Features

  • Short, stocky legs are supported by two-toed hooves with a large spur.
  • The large head is accented with an arched Roman nose.
  • Both sexes have stout horns ridged at the base.
  • The long, shaggy coat is light colored with a dark stripe down the back. Males have a dark face.
  • The Takin has an oily, strong-smelling substance that is secreted over its whole body.


Behavior

Live in herds of 20 individuals, although older males will become more solitary. When disturbed, the Takin will give a "cough" alarm and the herd will retreat and lie on the ground for camouflage. Takins use the same path through thickets on regular visits to salt licks and grazing areas.

Breeding & Care of Young
Mating takes place between July and August. Gestation is 8 months. Sexually mature at 2.5 years. Usually single birth.

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