Takin of Mishmi

The Mishmi Takin is a large bovid that inhabits the forests of southeastern Tibet and southern China. It is one of 4 subspecies of Takin, which vary in coat color. Its name refers to the Mishmi Hills in the Himalayas. 

It is closely related to sheep. This animal is an excellent climber, capable of climbing steep and rocky slopes. 

Its body is well adapted to low temperatures, its robustness and short legs minimize heat loss, its large nostrils warm the air before it reaches the lungs and its skin secretes an oil that insulates it from the humidity of the fog. 

It feeds on grass, bamboo shoots and leaves. It can reach high branches of trees by resting its forelegs on the trunks. 

Of crepuscular habits, they usually live in small family groups (more or less 20 individuals). 

In spring and summer they begin to group together in the high mountain areas, where they find good pastures to feed, salts and hot springs, then they go into heat and after a gestation period of about 7-8 months a single calf is born. The young begin to develop horns at 6 months of age.  

If it feels threatened, it may give an alarm call, such as a “cough”, so that the herd takes refuge in the bamboo thicket and camouflages itself.