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Sichuan Takin
Budorca taxicolor
The Sichuan takin is a stocky, large-bodied, cow-like animal with eyes high on its large head under crescent-shaped horns. They inhabit the Eastern Himalayas in dense thickets and bamboo groves, in family groups of up to 30 individuals.
Range & Habitat
In the Wild: Rugged and remote mountainous terrain in Eastern Himalayas. Takin inhabit the same dense bamboo forests as the better-known giant panda.
At the Zoo: Wildlife Trail
Conservation Status: Vulnerable
Hunting and habitat loss are among the factors that impact Takin.
Diet
In the Wild: variety of grasses, herbs, bamboo shoots, leaves of shrubs and trees and many kinds of alpine and deciduous plants and evergreens.
At the Zoo: Specialized grain, hay, browse as well as some fruits and vegetables for training and enrichment.
Life Span
In the Wild: 16-18 years. In Human Care – More than 20 years.
Fun Facts about the Sichuan Takin
- The inaccessibility of the takin’s mountainous habitat by humans means that there is little information on this species’ behavior and ecology.
- Takin sleep with their front legs outstretched and their heads down—like dogs!
Sources
Tibet Nature Environmental Conservation Network, Takin. Referenced June 2017. http://www.tibetnature.net/en/takin/
The Animal Facts, Sichuan Takin. Referenced June 2017. http://theanimalfacts.com/mammals/sichuan-takin/
Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Sichuan Takin. Referenced June 2017. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sichuan_takin
San Diego Zoo, fact sheets. Sichuan Takin. Referenced June 2017. http://library.sandiegozoo.org/factsheets/takin/takin.html
Updated June 13, 2023
Location:
Wildlife Trail
