Activity budgets of a zoo-housed Mishmi Takin (Mammalia: Artiodactyla: Bovidae) herd

The Himalayan Caprine Budorcas taxicolor taxicolor, generally known as the Mishmi Takin, is a globally ‘Vulnerable’ species per IUCN Red List and categorised under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Information on their behaviour is limited, and this study was undertaken at Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, Darjeeling, to investigate the activity budgets of a herd of seven Mishmi Takin in captivity, with emphasis on reproductive and maternal behaviours. Ethograms developed based on a literature review and preliminary observations were used to observe animals for one year. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics. It was observed that the takins spend the majority of their time feeding, standing, ruminating, resting or in locomotion. Reproductive behaviours comprised less than 1% of the activity budget. The study provides preliminary data on the behaviour of the Mishmi Takin in captivity, and could be utilised by zoo management to strategize animal enrichment and welfare.