Takin

The Takin (Budorcas taxicolor) is a goat-antelope found in heavily forested areas of the Eastern Himalayas. There are four subspecies: Budorcas taxicolor taxicolor; the Mishima Takin, Budorcas taxicolor bedfordi; Budorcas taxicolor tibetani; the Tibetan Takin, and Budorcas taxicolor whitei.

Takin stand 110 to 120 centimetres at the shoulder and weigh up to 300 kilograms. Takin have large muzzles and eyes with noticeably small ears - giving a vaguely cartoonish appearance. They are covered in a thick golden wool which turns black on the under-belly. Both sexes have small horns which run parallel to the skull and then turn upwards in a short point, these are around 30 centimetres long.

Takin are found in bamboo forests at altitudes of 2,000 to 4,500 metres - where they eat grass, buds and leaves. Takin are diurnal, active in the day, resting in the heat on particularly sunny days. Takin gather in small herds in winter and herds of up to a hundred individuals in the summer, old males are solitary.

Some theorise that the Takin may be the source of the Golden Fleece in Greek mythology.