The SichuanTakin is a migratory, goat-antelope that lives in the mountainous bamboo forests of
China – the same habitat as the iconic giant pand
Takin depend upon an elevation gradient, migrating to the higher elevation alpine meadows in the summer months and descending to lower altitudes during winter.
Thus, it is believed that the takin may be a species highly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Despite being large-sized mammals, there is remarkably little information on this species, including population size distribution and species habitats. The lack of data primarily is due to inaccessibility of the species in its rigorous mountainous habitat.
Conservation in Action
Much like the giant panda, the Sichuan takin is considered a national treasure in China and has been named a ‘First Order Priority Species,’ which gives it the highest level of legal protection.
Despite this status, there has been growing concern about the security of wild populations, largely due to significant habitat loss from a rapidly expanding human population and illegal hunting.
The Conservation Centers for Species Survival is filling this gap in two ways. Using a captive takin herd at
the Wilds (one of the institutional members), C2S2 developed safe anesthesia and delivery systems that would have practical field application in China, as well as sturdy radio-collars that would withstand bouts of aggression.
The result has been significant new ecological information on takin all of which will be useful for developing science-based conservation plans.
Learn more about C2S2′s Takin Conservation Project.
Source:
http://www.conservationcenters.org/species-conservation-priorties/sichuan-takin/
