Golden takin
| Golden takin | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Artiodactyla |
| Family: | Bovidae |
| Subfamily: | Caprinae |
| Genus: | Budorcas |
| Species: | B. taxicolor |
| Subspecies: | B. t. bedfordi |
| Trinomial name | |
| Budorcas taxicolor bedfordi Thomas, 1911 | |
The golden takin (Budorcas taxicolor bedfordi) is an endangered goat-antelope native to the Peoples Republic of China & Bhutan.
Takins are adapted to staying warm and dry during winters in the Himalayan Mountain regions they inhabit. A thick, secondary coat is grown to keep out the cold. Their large, moose-like snout has large sinus cavities that warm up the air a takin inhales which prevents the loss of body heat by breathing. Although they have no skin glands, their skin secretes an oily substance that provides a water barrier that protects takins from the elements. They are around the same size as a cow and are very aggressive. Its skin is also said to be the source of the legend of the Golden Fleece.