| Both sides previous revisionPrevious revisionNext revision | Previous revision |
| takin [2021/10/13 13:33] – zookeeper | takin [2023/10/03 04:52] (current) – zookeeper |
|---|
| ====== TAKIN == | ====== TAKIN == |
| [{{ :takinentry.png?nolink&300|//Quirky? perhaps it depends who you ask - it is the national animal of Bhutan, and has a fair place in Bhutanese mythology. In mythology, the takin is a product of 16th century Drukpa Kunley, who, after eating a cow and a goat, performed a miracle - he re-assembled the bones, putting the goat's head on the cow's body, and after an utterance, the takin came to life//.}}] | {{ :waetakin.png?nolink&400|}} |
| Class: MAMMALIA | Class: MAMMALIA |
| |
| Order: ARTIODACTYLA | Order: ARTIODACTYLA |
| |
| Family: BOVINAE | Family: BOVIDAE |
| |
| Genus: BUDORCAS | Genus: BUDORCAS |
| Species: TAXICOLOR | Species: TAXICOLOR |
| |
| A large, herbivorous mammal found in relatively small areas of South-east Asia. At the shoulder, the takin ram stands 129 centimetres tall, and the doe at 120 centimetres. There are four takin sub-species - the Mishmi Takin, as pictured, is named for the Mishmi peoples, who are mostly native to Arunachal Pradesh in North-east India. The Bhutan Takin, found in Bhutan, is similar in appearance. The Sichuan Takin of Tibet is mostly yellowish at the front, but the back is more brownish. And the Golden Takin, found in mountainous China, is yellow all-over. Takins likely originated in Asia, some 3 million years ago, and is related to goats. | **T**his large, herbivorous mammal is classified as just one species in its monotypic genus, and is native to relatively small areas of South East Asia. Four subspecies of takin are currently recognised – the Mishmi and Bhutan Takins both have a similar hide of varied brown, though the Sichuan and Golden Takins are more yellow. Where the Sichuan Takin’s yellowish hide has areas of brown and black fur, the Golden Takin is entirely yellow. Sometimes referred to as a 'goat-antelope', the takin is closely related to sheep and goats, though superficially resembles antelope. Superficial features, specifically the takin's horns, put it in an evolutionary link with the musk-ox, though this is now seen as a result of convergent evolution. The oldest known remains attributed to takins appear some 3 million years ago in Asia, though fossils attributed to takins have also been found in Africa. |
| ===== I. TAKIN PHYSIOLOGY ===== | ===== I. TAKIN PHYSIOLOGY ===== |
| | {{ :waetakin2.png?nolink&400|}} |
| Appearing large and bulky, the takin is an agile climber of rocky surfaces, just like its goat relatives. Yellowish fur works as fine camouflage in mountainous forests and amongst rocky backgrounds, and its thick nose works as so to warm the harsh mountain air. The horns of the takin are curved like that of a musk-ox, and for years it was thought that the two were related, but now it's thought that this is just a result of convergent evolution. The powerful legs of the takin are well adapted to life on the mountainside. | Although the four takin sub-species differ somewhat in colouration, their body plan is virtually identical, as they share similar habitat. The ram may weigh some 350 kilograms, though its agility is not to be compromised - it is very capable of navigating harsh surfaces, in all the same respects as the mountain-goats of North America, which is the takin's closest living relative. Sturdy hooves of the takin make for relatively easy climbing of mountain edges. The coloured hide works as camouflage amongst the montane forests. Where the air of the takin’s mountainous habitat is cold and harsh, a thick nasal passage, making for a sizable snout, helps to warm the mountain air so the takin can breathe easily. Similar to other mountain ungulates, the takin also has a thick coat of hair. |
