(IN) Survey of takin in Arunachal Pradesh

October 1, 2008

*Survey of endangered Mishmi takin begins in Arunachal Pradesh*

*Arunachal Pradesh, September 2, 2008:* An extensive survey to assess the

distribution and population status of the endangered Mishmi takin has begun

in the northeastern Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh. The survey will also

cover parts of Sikkim from where the species has been reported, and assess

threats faced by the takin in both states. The information generated by the

survey will ultimately be used to formulate a conservation strategy for

Mishmi takin in India.

The survey along the Tibetan and Myanmar borders of Arunachal Pradesh is

being jointly done by the Arunachal Pradesh Forest Department and Wildlife

Trust of India (WTI) and is funded by the Ashoka Trust for Research in

Ecology and the Environment (ATREE). The survey area covers four broad

regions, namely the Dibang Valley, Siang, Subansiri and Lohit-Changlang,

encompassing Namdapha and Mouling National Parks among other protected

areas.

Teams headed by field biologists, will traverse existing forest trails in

the survey area and record direct as well as indirect signs of Mishmi takin.

Questionnaire surveys will also be conducted among locals to gather the

available local knowledge on the species. The interaction with local people

will also help estimate the number of Mishmi takins extracted from the

forests; the locals hunt takin for meat. Similar surveys will also be done

in takin habitat in Sikkim.

Mishmi takin (*Budorcas taxicolor taxicolor*) is a species of goat-antelope

found in the hills of Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim at an altitude of

2000-3000 metres. It is listed under Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife

(Protection) Act, 1972 and is also classified as endangered by the

International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Yet, only scant

information exists on the population, distribution, ecology and behaviour of

this endangered species.

Dr Rahul Kaul, director, WTI, said, " This is the first time, a survey of

this sort is being carried out. We are sure it will throw up many new facets

on the distribution and ecology of this species. "

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