A Takin is an antelope found in the Himalayan mountains of Nepal, Sikkim (a region of India), and Bhutan. The takin is so bizarre looking that it is believed to be one of the oddest creatures living today. It may have developed this bizarre look as a defense mechanism because the main predators are Snow Leopards who often don't see it due to how well camouflaged they are.
Takins are large sized animals which can weigh up to 500 pounds! They have thick bristly fur all over their body, including on their legs. Their face looks like that of a water buffalo with an extended nose and two long horns that curve backwards. Although at first glance, they just look like hulking bears with a thick coat of fur and a horned face, they are actually related to the cow and their closest living relatives are the Asian Antelope.
Takins have incredibly poor vision which means that they rely on their other senses such as smell and hearing to detect predators. They also communicate through low rumbles which can travel long distances over woodlands and grasslands.
They eat mainly herbs as well as leaves from shrubs as these foods provide them with the most nutrients. When they need salt, takins will lick rocks or visit salt licks found near human settlements which is useful for humans as this benefits both species
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