Wild takins with fresh genes to be shipped to Thimphu

April 19, 2009: Thanks to inbreeding, the genetic makeup of the present stock of takins at the Motithang Takin Preserve is weakening, studies prove. The absence of a plan to scientifically manage the present 8.55 acre animal enclosure is one of the reasons for inbreeding, according to the Nature Conservation Division (NCD).
Inbreeding within the animals of the same parental origins resulted in the present stock of takins to reproduce with inferior genes. The takins eventually die due to their high susceptibility to diseases and low capability to defend from natural challenges.
The present Takin Preserve will be upgraded and will undergo a major facelift soon which will house not only takins but also other unique animals found in Bhutan, like the Red Panda, Himalayan Serow and other rare animals and birds.
It will also serve as a center for creating conservation awareness among people, said the head of NCD, Sonam Wangyal Wang (PhD).
The NCD aims at improving the present stock by bringing Bhutan takins from the wild to prevent further in-breeding. “This will improve the genetic stock,” said Sonam Wangyal Wang.
The NCD will also look into releasing juvenile takins born at the Preserve into the wild to study their survival and adaptation rate.
The Preserve will also serve as a center to educate and create awareness on the importance of wildlife conservation.
Eight adult takins and four new born calves died at the Motithang Takin Preserve due to the inferiority of the second generation, caused by inbreeding.
The new center will have a clinic to care for the sick takins and the deer species.
An office will also be build at the northern corner of the 19.34-acre new enclosure. This building will house the laboratory and the animal clinic at the first floor, educational centre at the second floor and the office for the coordinator in the third floor.
The enclosures for different species of animals will surround the animal feeding bay. Visitors can walk along the enclosures and watch the animals.
The present enclosure is divided into five paddocks, fenced with galvanized iron mesh-linked chain, dominated by blue pine forest and is situated at an elevation of 2666 meters.
A creek which runs through the Preserve is the main source of drinking water for the animals.
Presently, apart from the natural grass which grows within the enclosure, the animals feed on Bengal gram (commonly known as chana), green grass, hay and salt and paddy straw in the winter.
A concrete footpath which goes around the enclosure with three metal bridges over the creek for the visitors to walk around was built by the then Department of Tourism.
The enclosure houses seven takins, eight sambars and six barking deers rescued from different parts of the country.
The Preserve will also serve as a rescue center for wild animals which are mostly at different stages of recuperation from injuries either domestic dogs or traps set by farmers and poachers.
The Preserve receives more than 100 animals, mostly deer species every year.
“We would like to feel that our animals are safe and well looked after,” said Karma Drukpa, the Director of Forests.
With the mortality rate of the takins on a constant rise since the 2000, there are presently only four females of which one is sterile. One to two females give birth every year but the calves are usually under weight and not cared by its dam.