Reproduction
Little is known about the reproductive behavior of takins in the wild. They most likely sexually mature at about 2 years of age. The seasons for mating and birth of young may vary between subspecies. A gestation period of 200 to 220 days has been recorded in captivity. Birth is usually given in March or April to a single offspring, which is referred to as a kid. Captive birth weights range from 11-15 pounds (5-7 kg). Within three days of their birth, a kid is able to follow its mother throughout most types of terrain, which is critical when attempting to evade predators or traveling long distances to food sources.

Life Cycle
Takins appear to seasonally migrate to preferred habitats. During spring and early summer months, they begin to gather in large herds of up to 100 animals at the uppermost limits of treeline. During cooler autumn months, when food is less plentiful at higher elevations, herds disband into smaller groups of up to 35 individuals, and move to forested valleys at lower elevations. Groups mainly comprise females, subadults, kids and some adult males. Older males usually remain solitary throughout most of the year, but gather with females during the rutting (breeding) season. Although takins are mostly slow moving animals, when angered or frightened they can move quickly over short distances. If required, they possess the ability to leap from rock to rock on steep slopes as a means of escape.

Takin Talk
Takins use a variety of different sounds to "talk" amongst themselves. If danger approaches, a takin will emit a loud warning cough, alerting other takins in the herd. During the rutting season, males are often heard producing a low bellow as a warning or challenge to other competing males.

Although takins have no skin glands, their entire body secretes an oily, strong smelling substance that is said to have a burning taste. It is believed that this smelly, thick substance serves as a moisture barrier on the animal’s coat, protecting it from moisture caused by fog and rain that frequents its grazing grounds.

Golden Fleece - Impressive Horns
Greek mythology tells of the quest of Jason and the Argonauts, who sailed the high seas on the ship Argo in search of the magical Golden Fleece. Jason may very well have been seeking the long, shaggy coat of the takin, which can be golden in color. Takins appear much like an ox, with strong legs and broad, round hooves. Their coat is dense and shaggy, with a stripe along the back. Coat color varies from whitish-yellow, reddish-gray, darker brown or gold. The tail is short and bushy. A bull’s face is often dark, while only the nose is dark on females and calves. All takins have an arched nose and hairy snout.

When looking at a takin, the first thing likely to catch the observer's attention is their impressive horns. Carried on both sexes, the horns arise from the midsection of their massive head, quickly curve outward and then sweep backward and upward to a point. Horns may reach up to 25 inches (64 cm) in length.

Although takins are not currently considered an endangered species, increased human activities in the takins’ natural range are having a negative effect on their populations. There are less than 5,000 Sichuan takins and about 1,200 Shensi takins left in the wild. Less than 10,000 wild Mishmi takins remain. Deforestation caused by logging and agricultural expansion is reducing, or eliminating altogether, habitat required by takins during their seasonal migrations. Poaching is also having a dramatic effect on their numbers. Local native peoples hunt takins for their highly prized meat, which is contributing to their decline. In recognition of the threatened condition of the takin in the wild, the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) currently classifies the status of the subspecies Sichuan takin (Budorcas taxicolor tibetana) as indeterminate, and the subspecies Shensi takin (Budorcas taxicolor bedfordi) as rare. All subspecies of takin are also listed as Appendix II animals (not presently threatened with extinction but may become so if their trade is not regulated) by the Convention on the International Trade of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

Woodland Park Zoo no longer exhibits takins.

How You Can Help!
The effort to save threatened and endangered species requires cooperation and support at the international, national, regional and individual levels. You can help in this cause. Join and become active in a conservation organization of your choice. Support the conservation of endangered species and wild habitats, and do not buy products made from wild animal parts. Find out other ways you can help by contacting Woodland Park Zoo at webkeeper@zoo.org or visit our How You Can Help page.

Sources and Suggested Reading
Macdonald, David, ed. 1993. The Encyclopedia of Mammals. Facts on File, Inc., New York, NY. 895 p.

Nowak, Ronald M., ed. 1991. Walker's Mammals of the World. 5th Edition. The John Hopkins University Press, Baltimore and London. 1,629 p.

* Taxonomic classification varies between references. Classification information used in this fact sheet was taken from Mammal Species of the World: A Taxonomic And Geographic Reference, edited by Don E. Wilson and Dee Ann M. Reeder, Second Edition, 1993.

More References