Sichuan takin

first time i have seen one of these.TFS

A first for me too. Very unique horns and nice habitat. Can you tell us a little about this animal? Thank you.

Ron Day wrote:A first for me too. Very unique horns and nice habitat. Can you tell us a little about this animal? Thank you.

Thank you Ron! The takin is a large mammal that weighs 250-350 kg, feed on grass, leaves and alos bamboo. The subspecies Sichuan takin is mainly distributed in the Minshan Mountains in Southwest China. They live in the same habitat with giant pandas . In Tangjiahe Nature Reserve they are in high density, more than 1,300 individuals in 400 sq. km. 

In June they gather in large herds and migrate up the mountains to the tree line 3,000 m above sea level. There are only roads below 1,900 m, so you need to climb the mountains if you want to see them. Although tired, you can see hundreds of takins gathering on the alpine meadow. In late August, they begin move down the mountains. Then it is easy to see them along the river valley at dawn and dusk. At this time they live in groups about 10 - 40 animals. Generally the takins in group are sensitive and will run away when you approach to 30 m. However there are individuals living alone, some are also sensitive, but some are not afraid of humans, like this one in picture, and sometimes they are dangerous and may attack people. 

Zhou Fangyi wrote:

Ron Day wrote:A first for me too. Very unique horns and nice habitat. Can you tell us a little about this animal? Thank you.

Thank you Ron! The takin is a large mammal that weighs 250-350 kg, feed on grass, leaves and alos bamboo. The subspecies Sichuan takin is mainly distributed in the Minshan Mountains in Southwest China. They live in the same habitat with giant pandas . In Tangjiahe Nature Reserve they are in high density, more than 1,300 individuals in 400 sq. km. 

In June they gather in large herds and migrate up the mountains to the tree line 3,000 m above sea level. There are only roads below 1,900 m, so you need to climb the mountains if you want to see them. Although tired, you can see hundreds of takins gathering on the alpine meadow. In late August, they begin move down the mountains. Then it is easy to see them along the river valley at dawn and dusk. At this time they live in groups about 10 - 40 animals. Generally the takins in group are sensitive and will run away when you approach to 30 m. However there are individuals living alone, some are also sensitive, but some are not afraid of humans, like this one in picture, and sometimes they are dangerous and may attack people. 

Thank you, Zhou, for the excellent information on the "takin." I didn't even know this animal existed, so information like this is very helpful and interesting when viewing your image.

What a beautiful mammal and a great picture of it..

A lovely image of this handsome mountain species, and very interesting information too! Thank you.

A new species for me too! A beautiful animal and very nice image. Thanks so much for sharing all the information about it too.
Welcome to Wildlife forum!

Thanks for the wonderful information Zhou.Not an easy shot to get. Lovely.