Mishmi Takin

Budorcas taxicolor taxicolor

A mishmi and his offspring stand by a stream and cuddle together. IUCN Red List endangerment category: Vulnerable
  • Family
    Bovids (Bovidae)
  • Weight
    ♀ up to 280 kg, ♂ up to 350 kg
  • Habitat
    Alpine forests and grasslands

Endangered species

The population of Mishmi takin in the wild is currently under threat due to habitat destruction caused by ever increasing deforestation to make way for livestock farming. However those in national parks live in a more protected environment. Today the takin no longer needs to fear its natural predators. The chances of encountering a snow leopard or dhole (red dog) are rare as they too are endangered.

Das Bild zeigt ein Mishmi-Takin Jungtier, es steht im Profil und hat seinen Mund geöffnet.

Highly adapted

With its long shaggy coat, the Mishmi takin is well adapted to the rough conditions of its cold mountain habitat. The annual average temperature in southeast Tibet is a crisp 8 °C. Its feet also feature a very practical adaptation: split hooves provide a safe footing on dangerous rocky terrain and ensure that the goat-antelope does not sink too deep in the snow.

Fascinating fact

When takins sense danger they form a defensive ring with their young in the middle.

Distribution

Distribution