Sichuan Takin | Online Record Book Preview

Budorcas taxicolor tibetana

Also called Moupin takin.

DESCRIPTION A richlycolored race. In summer the head, neck and shoulders are golden-yellow washed with gray, gradually passing into gray or blackish on hindquarters and legs. The nose is black, the ears are black and white, the tail is black with some whitish hairs, the lower legs are black in front and white behind. The black dorsal stripe is well-defined, extending from shoulders to tail. In winter, the yellow areas become gray. Females are much grayer than males at all seasons. The horns of the Sichuan taken are thinner, more arched, and less distinctly ridged at the base than those of the Mishmi takin.

DISTRIBUTION Eastern Tibet, and the western half of Sichuan and extreme southern Gansu provinces in China.

STATUS Sowerby reported it fairly plentiful in 1937; however, the Chinese regarded it as rare in 1966 and were reported to have given it protection. Uncontrolled meat hunting by locals is thought to be the main cause of its decline.