Takin
(Budorcas taxicolor bedfordi, B. t. taxicolor, B. t. tibetana)
Coordinator: Denis Michaux
Institution: Parc Animalier d'Auvergne
IUCN Red List status
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• Insurance The EAZA populations of the bedfordi and taxicolor will both be managed towards insurance populations. These two subspecies are under continued threats and are low in numbers in situ. The population of tibetana will be phased out in EAZA to make space for the other subspecies. This will be managed within the same EEP to avoid competition and not lose holders and coordinate the gradual replacement with one of the other two managed subspecies. |
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• Research The development of artificial insemination (AI) techniques and cryopreservation for caprinae is one of the Caprinae TAGs priorities and relevant for more than just takins. Takin is considered as one of the priority species for the TAG. The two takin subspecies managed within EAZA can help contribute to developing research towards making this more widely available for use in ex situ. An AI working group has been established to work on this. • Fundraising (in situ support) The EEP will actively fundraise to support in situ projects focusing on research towards this species, but will also expand this to caprinae species in general. • Conservation education Takins are evolutionary distinct species and charismatic. The population will therefore be used to raise the profile of caprinae among EAZA Members and their visitors and focus on the biodiversity crisis in South East Asia. |
Programme numbers
In April 2021, the Takin EEP had 257* animals in 64 institutions.
*57 animals in the Golden takin EEP, 173 animals in the Mishmi takin EEP and 27 animals in the Sichuan takin EEP.
Programme highlights
- Paignton Zoo has a very informative video with facts about the Mishmi takin.
- Zooquaria 111 (Spring 2021, page 14) features an article about the Caprinea TAG RCP.
- The Caprinae TAG has a very active Facebook page where they regularly publish news stories.
- The 2021 EAZA Annual TAG report has been published, with on page 57 an update of the activities of the Caprinae TAG.
- The EAZA Caprinae TAG has published their Caprine Educational Guidelines.
This work is supported by the European Union LIFE NGO funding programme. The European Union is not responsible for the views displayed in publications and/or in conjunction with the activities for which the grant is used.