SICHUAN TAKIN (like rockin’) Budorcas taxicolor tibetana Male (top) and Female (bottom) Also called GNU GOAT or CATTLE CHAMOIS :) Los Angeles Zoo, Los Angeles, California USA ©Laura Quick
The takin, is a large lumbering-looking species of ungulate of the subfamily Caprinae (related to goats) found in higher elevations over 14,000 feet (4,300 meters) in the eastern Himalayas. When it comes to food, takins eat almost any vegetation from leaves of evergreen rhododendrons and oaks, willow and pine bark, bamboo leaves, and a variety of new-growth leaves and herbs.
They can easily stand on their hind legs, front legs propped against a tree, to reach for higher vegetation. Takins have adaptations that help them stay warm and dry during the bitter cold of winter in the Himalayan Mountains.
A thick, secondary coat is grown to keep out the chill.
They are surprisingly nimble when speed is necessary on steep and rocky terrain.
The large, moose-like snout has large sinus cavities to warm up the air a takin inhales before it gets to the lungs. Without this adaptation, takins would lose a large amount of body heat just by breathing.
They have oily skin. Although they have no skin glands, their skin secretes an oily, bitter-tasting substance that acts as a natural raincoat in storms and fog. Streaks of this oily stuff can be seen where takins rub.
They also have an odor that smells like a combination of horse and musk.
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