Sichuan Takin
BUDORCAS TAXICOLOR
Takins have the unique ability to stand upright on their hind legs, so they can easily reach the leaves of taller trees.
Like the Giant Panda, the Sichuan Takin inhabits the steep, rocky mountain forests of Tibet, northern Myanmar, and central China. Sichuan Takins are considered a national treasure in China, where they have the highest legal protection status.Like the Giant Panda, the Sichuan Takin inhabits the steep, rocky mountain forests of Tibet, northern Myanmar, and central China. Sichuan Takins are considered a national treasure in China, where they have the highest legal protection status.
They feed on a variety of grasses, bamboo shoots, forbs and leaves of shrubs and trees. Takin forage in early morning and late afternoon, and regularly visit salt-licks which renders them very vulnerable to poachers who lay in ambush. Takins seasonally migrate to preferred habitats. During spring and early summer months, they begin to gather in large herds of up to 100 animals at the uppermost limits of tree line.
When disturbed, individuals will give a ‘cough’ alarm call and the herd will retreat into thick bamboo thickets and lie on the ground for camouflage.
The Takin’s large nose houses enlarged sinus cavities which warm frigid mountain air before it reaches the lungs.
Rumor has it, the Beast from Disney’s ‘Beauty and the Beast’ is modeled after a Takin. What do you think?
Click HERE for a Sichuan Takin Activity Sheet!
Our Current Residents
Khan, Male - Born 2015
Khan came to ZooMontana from the Pueblo Zoo in Colorado in 2016. Kahn is incredibly curious and can often be seen playing soccer in his habitat.
Griff, Male - Born 2015
Griff is Kahn's brother and came to ZooMontana in 2020 from the Pueblo Zoo in Colorado.
Taxonomy
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Mammalia
- Order: Cetartiodactyla
- Family: Bovidae
- Genus: Budorcas
- Species: Budorcas taxicolor
Animal Facts
- Herbivore
- Threatened
- Bamboo Forest and Mountains
- Diurnal
