Mishmi Takin:
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
- Mishmi Takin 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
- 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.
- Features:
- Horns are present in both sexes and run parallel to the skull before turning upwards to a short point.
- 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.
- Conservation Status:
- IUCN Red List: Vulnerable
