The takin is a large, hoofed mammal of the ox family that is found in the mountainous regions of the Himalayas, from India and Bhutan to China. They are an unusual-looking animal that is often described as looking like a mix between a goat and an ox.
Takin - interesting facts and information
Takins are massive, with adults measuring 1 to 2.2 meters in length and weighing 300 to 1,000 kilograms. They have a thick, yellowish or brown coat that helps them survive in cold mountain climates. They also have large, sturdy horns that are curved into an "s" shape.
Takins are primarily herbivores that feed on leaves, grass, flowers and young tree shoots. They are also known to be able to stand on their hind legs to reach the leaves of high-growing trees.
Unlike many other mountain species, takins do not migrate seasonally. Instead, they have adapted to living at high altitudes year-round, relying on their dense fur to keep them warm in the cold winter months.
Takins are now classified as vulnerable to extinction by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Their populations are threatened due to habitat loss, hunting and the increasing impact of humans on their natural habitat.
