In the misty mountains of Arunachal Pradesh, one creature stands out: the Mishmi takin (Budorcas taxicolor). This unusual animal looks like a mix of a goat and an ox and has been adapted to the rugged terrain for ages.
Folklore from Bhutan and Tibet attributes its creation to a Buddhist monk, Drukpa Kunley, who is said to have fused a cow’s body with a goat’s head. Early explorers, like Captain F. M. Bailey, reported seeing herds of up to 300 of these animals.
The Mishmi takin is among four subspecies known to inhabit eastern Himalayas. It has a large head, strong limbs, and a thick coat that ranges from golden-yellow to dark brown. Standing up to 1.3 meters tall and weighing over 300 kilograms, its physical traits help it thrive at high altitudes.
Chi Ma, a mammal behavior expert at Dali University in China, highlights the takin’s role in its ecosystem. “It helps shape vegetation and contributes to seed dispersal, while also being prey for local predators,” he says. The survival of the takin relies on intact montane forests, mineral licks, and unobstructed migration paths.
For the Idu-Mishmi tribe, the takin is more than just wildlife; it’s part of their living landscape. They have traditional rituals and rules about hunting, keeping a balance with nature. However, modern influences are changing this relationship.
The Mishmi takin now faces many challenges, from habitat loss due to road building to climate change. Recent surveys show a sharp decline in sightings, with most recorded animals being solitary or in small groups. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) currently lists them as vulnerable.
Despite their fascinating biology, there’s still much to learn about the Mishmi takin. Limited research complicates conservation efforts. As roads and tourism increase in the Mishmi Hills, experts fear these pressures could harm the species.
This unique animal also has its seasonal habits. In summer, takins inhabit alpine meadows, while in winter, they move to forested areas for food. Their bashful nature and remote habitat mean that spotting one is rare.
A study published in 2019 underlined the need for comprehensive research on the takin, prompting a large survey in 2024 by the Arunachal Pradesh Forest Department and Wildlife Trust of India. This survey focuses on four key regions: Dibang Valley, Siang, Subansiri, and Lohit-Changlang. It aims to gather crucial data to assist in conservation efforts.
Recent research also indicates that climate change could drastically reduce suitable habitats for the takin. By 2070, nearly half of the current optimal living spaces may vanish, pushing the species into fragmented, higher regions.
Researchers like Mohan Sharma have witnessed firsthand how roads are changing the landscape of these remote areas. “In 2016, it took me five days to reach the village of Bruni. By 2023, a new road cut travel to just a couple of hours,” he shares. This road disrupts the takin’s habitat, as increased human presence raises concerns for its survival.
Big projects, like hydroelectric dams in the region, also threaten the takin and its ecosystem. Local communities that have historically accessed the forest are now navigating new pressures brought by development.
The Idu-Mishmi tribe’s traditional beliefs, including a system of rituals regulating wildlife interaction, are also shifting. Younger generations are less connected to these traditions, leading to changes in how the community interacts with their environment. Elders express concern over this loss of connection and the importance of ancestral teachings.
Sharma warns that if wildlife is viewed purely as resources, the lasting bond between locals and animals will weaken. To ensure the survival of species like the Mishmi takin, they must be seen as integral parts of the ecosystem.
This article originally appeared on Mongabay. Read the original article here.
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Mishmi Takin Arunachal Pradesh
