Takin, the national animal of Bhutan and you are going to see during your tour to Bhutan. The government from Bhutan is well preserving Takin in Thimpu as it is also associated with religious history and mythology. It is a very rare mammal with a thick neck and short muscular legs. It lives in groups and is found above 4000 meters in the north- western and far north eastern parts of the country. They feed on bamboo. The adult Takin can weigh over 200 kilograms. Their habitat range is from rocky, grass-covered alpine zones to the forests with undergrowth of bamboos and Rhododendrons. They are strong, unique, and distinct, perhaps making them considered as the national animal of Bhutan.
Takin at Grassland
The takin has rich Bhutanese mythology dating to the 15th century. A Tibetan saint by the name Drukpa Kunley (aka, “The Divine Madman”) is credited with creating the takin with unique features. The people of Bhutan requested that Drukpa Kunley perform a miracle before them. The saint agreed to do so provided he was fed for lunch: a whole cow and a whole goat. Once served, he devoured the food of both animals and left out the bones. He then took out the head of the goat and fixed it to the skeleton of the cow—with a snap, he created a live animal.
Facts About The National Animal Of Bhutan (Takin)
- Common name: Takin
- Scientific name: Budorcas taxicolor
- Habitat: Forested valleys and alpine zones
- Diet: Herbivores
- Average weight: 200kgs
- Main threats: deforestation, hunting, and habitat fragmentation
- Gestation period: 7-8 months.
- Average height: 97-140cm
It is especially the unique features and the fact that most Bhutan citizens love the Takin as pets and for its meat that makes it to be considered the national symbol of Bhutan. Four subspecies of the takin are currently recognized, which tend to show a variation in coat color: Sichuan takin, Mishmi takin, Shaanxi takin and
Bhutan takin.
