Takin Preserve

The Takin Preserve Center, also known as the Motithang Takin Preserve, is a unique wildlife reserve located in Thimphu, Bhutan. Here are some details and facts about the Takin Preserve Center:

  1. Location: The Takin Preserve Center is situated in the Motithang area of Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. It is located on the outskirts of the city, surrounded by lush greenery and forested hills.
  2. Establishment: The preserve was established in 2001 with the primary purpose of providing a protected habitat for the takin, Bhutan’s national animal. The takin is a unique and rare mammal found in the eastern Himalayas, known for its distinctive appearance and behavior.
  3. Habitat: The Takin Preserve Center encompasses a natural habitat consisting of forested areas, grasslands, and rocky terrain, which closely resembles the native habitat of the takin in the wild. The preserve is designed to mimic the natural environment of the takin and provide them with ample space to roam and forage.
  4. Takin: The takin is a large ungulate species that is native to the eastern Himalayas, including Bhutan, Tibet, and parts of China and India. It has a unique appearance, with a muscular body, short legs, and a large, moose-like head. The takin is known for its ability to inhabit rugged mountainous terrain and is often referred to as the “goat-antelope” or “gnu goat.”
  5. Conservation: The Takin Preserve Center plays a crucial role in the conservation of the takin species, which is classified as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). By providing a protected habitat and promoting awareness of the takin’s ecological importance, the preserve contributes to efforts to conserve this unique species and its natural habitat.
  6. Visitor Experience: The Takin Preserve Center is open to visitors, allowing them to observe takin in their natural habitat. Visitors can walk along designated trails within the preserve, which offer opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography. Interpretive signs provide information about the takin’s biology, behavior, and conservation status.
  7. Cultural Significance: The takin holds special cultural significance in Bhutanese folklore and tradition. According to legend, the takin was created by the country’s founder, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, who is said to have combined the body of a goat with the head of a cow to fulfill a local oracle’s prophecy.
  8. Tourism Impact: The Takin Preserve Center has become a popular tourist attraction in Thimphu, attracting visitors from around the world who are interested in experiencing Bhutan’s rich biodiversity and cultural heritage. The preserve offers a unique opportunity to observe one of Bhutan’s most iconic and elusive wildlife species in its natural habitat.

Overall, the Takin Preserve Center serves as an important conservation site, educational facility, and tourist destination, contributing to the protection of Bhutan’s natural heritage and cultural identity.