Mishmi Takin

Mishmi Takin Latest News

The first-ever video footage of a herd of the elusive Mishmi Takin have been recently recorded in the Tingda Reserve Forest of North Sikkim.

About Mishmi Takin

• It is a species of goat-antelope belonging to the family Bovidae (order Artiodactyla).
• It is one of 4 subspecies of Takin, which vary in coat color.  
• Scientific Name: Budorcas taxicolor 

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Mishmi Takin Habitat and Distribution 

• It is a native of the eastern Himalayas, including the mountainous regions of northeastern India, northern Myanmar, southeastern Tibet and parts of China. 
• The Mishmi Hills in Arunachal Pradesh is the region that gave the Mishmi Takin its name. 
• They inhabit a wide range of environments, from forested valleys to rocky alpine zones. 
• They can live at altitudes of up to 4,500 m and are well-equipped for mountain life.  

Mishmi Takin Features

• In general, takins have a stocky body and a deep chest.  
• It stands up to 1.3 metres at the shoulder and weighs over 300 kilograms. 
• The large head is distinctive by its long, arched nose and stout horns, which are ridged at the base. 
• Horns are present in both sexes and run parallel to the skull before turning upwards to a short point.  
• They have short, sturdy legs and broad hooves, which provide surefootedness. 
• It has a golden-yellow to dark brown coat. The coat is long and shaggy.  
• They also have oily skin secretions that coat their fur and protect them from the cold, damp climate. 
• They live in small family groups of around 20 individuals.
• They are herbivorous (folivorous) animals. 

Mishmi Takin Conservation Status

It is classified as ‘Vulnerable‘ under the IUCN Red List.

News: TP