SICHUAN TAKIN
Budorcas taxicolor
DESCRIPTION
The Sichuan Takin is a large, muscular herbivore native to the mountainous regions of China. It is known for its distinctive appearance, with a thick coat and a large, stocky body.
FUN FACTS
- Sichuan Takins are the national animal of Bhutan | They have a unique ability to climb steep slopes | Their thick fur helps them survive in cold mountainous climates
QUICK INFO
Lifespan15-20 years in the wild, up to 25 in captivity
Average Weight100-300 kg
Average Length1.5-2.0 m
Diet TypeHerbivore
Social Structuregroup — typically found in small herds
Activity PatternDiurnal
Breeding SeasonAutumn (September-November)
- Habitat
- Sichuan Takins inhabit steep, rugged mountainous areas, often in forests or alpine meadows. They prefer areas with dense vegetation for cover and food.
- Biomes
- Temperate Forest, Alpine
- Native Range
- Endemic to the mountainous regions of Sichuan and surrounding areas in China.
- Continent
- Asia
- Countries
- China
- Diet
- Sichuan Takins primarily graze on grasses, leaves, and shrubs. They are well adapted to their mountainous habitat, where they can find a variety of vegetation.
- Diet Type
- Herbivore
- Favorite Food
- grasses, leaves, shrubs
- Social Structure
- group — typically found in small herds
- Activity Pattern
- Diurnal
- Group Size
- 5-20
- Territorial
- 0
VU
100-300 kg
Weight
1.5-2.0 m
Length
1.0-1.2 m at shoulder
Height (Shoulder)
- Coloration
- thick, shaggy coat that ranges from yellowish-brown to dark brown
- Sexual Dimorphism
- males are larger and have thicker horns than females
- Lifespan
- 15-20 years in the wild, up to 25 in captivity
- Gestation Period
- 210 days
- Offspring per Birth
- 1
- Sexual Maturity
- 3-4 years
- Breeding Season
- Autumn (September-November)
EN
Endangered
IUCN Red List Status
- Population Status
- The population is currently decreasing due to habitat loss and hunting.
- Wild Population Estimate
- 10,000-15,000
- Population Trend
- Decreasing
- Endangered
- 1
- Threats
- Main threats include habitat destruction due to agriculture and logging, as well as hunting for their meat and horns.
- Conservation Program
- Various conservation efforts are in place, including habitat protection and anti-poaching measures.
- Predators
- Main predators include large carnivores such as wolves and leopards.
- Defense Mechanisms
- They rely on their agility and strength to escape predators, often fleeing to steep, rocky areas.
- Found in Zoos
- Uncommon