Localization

• Range: Eastern Himalayas — Bhutan, China, India (Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim), Myanmar. Found from 1,000 to ~4,500 m elevation in forests and alpine meadows.

• Subspecies distributions :

  • B. t. whitei (Bhutan takin): ~ 500–700 individuals in Bhutan

  • B. t. taxicolor (Mishmi): India/Myanmar/China, 220–300 in India

  • B. t. bedfordi (Golden takin): ~4,400–5,000 in Shaanxi, China

  • B. t. tibetana (Tibetan/Sichuan): several thousand in Tibet/Sichuan

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Threats

• Hunting/braconnage for meat, horns or trophies

• Habitat loss: logging, agriculture, roads, infrastructure, pasture activities

• Human disturbance and tourism

• Livestock competition/disease, especially in Bhutan

• Climate change impacts: decline in snow, changes in plant communities

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Population

• Global: ~ 7,000–12,000 individuals, Decreasing

• China:

  • B. t. taxicolor: ~ 3,500 individuals

  • B. t. bedfordi: ~ 4,400–5,000 individuals

• India: ~ 220–300 individuals (Arunachal)

• Bhutan: B. t. whitei: ~ 500–700 individuals, primarily in Jigme Dorji NP

• Myanmar: Populations declining, precise numbers unknown .

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U.I.C.N. : V.U. - Vulnerable

C.I.T.E.S :  Appendix II (01/08/1985)

E.U. listing :  Annex B (20/05/2023)

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Trade

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International:

The Parties shall not allow trade in specimens of species included in Appendices I, II and III except in accordance with the provisions of the present Convention.” — Art. II §4, CITES (3 March 1973)

All four takin subspecies have been in Appendix II since 1985, so any import, export or re‑export requires CITES export and (where applicable) import permits issued by the Management Authorities of the States concerned (Articles IV & VI).​​​​

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Bhutan :

Forest and Nature Conservation Act 2023, Royal Assent 24 July 2023 (in force), Takin statusSchedule I (highest protection)

Section 91. Any wild fauna listed in Schedule I of this Act shall not be killed, injured … or destroyed except … for human safety or population management.

Section 92. Any wild fauna listed in Schedule I … shall not be captured, collected, possessed, bred, raised or traded except for scientific research or population management as recommended by the Scientific Authority.

Offences against §92 are fourth‑degree felonies (Ch. 10, Offences & Penalties).

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China (PRC) :

Wildlife Protection Law - Articles 22 and 24, Original adoption8 November 1988 (entered into force 1 March 1989). Latest revision10 December 2022, effective 1 May 2023. Takin statusClass I protected species (2021 State List).

Article 22. The sale and purchase of wildlife under special State protection or the products thereof shall be prohibited. … Where sale, purchase or utilisation of wildlife under first‑class State protection is necessary … approval must be obtained from the department of wildlife administration under the State Council.

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Article 24. The export of wildlife under special State protection … must be approved by the department of wildlife administration under the State Council … and an import‑ or export‑permit shall be obtained.

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France :

Article L413-10

Version in force since 02 December 2021

Created by LAW No. 2021-1539 of 30 November 2021 - art. 46 - Code de l'environnement

1. Ban on Acquiring and Breeding Non-Domestic Animals:

   • It is prohibited to buy, sell, or breed non-domestic species for use in traveling shows.

   • This ban takes effect two years after the law’s enactment (November 30, 2023).

2. Prohibition on Keeping and Transporting Non-Domestic Animals:

   • Traveling shows cannot keep, transport, or use non-domestic animals for performances starting seven years after the law’s enactment (November 30, 2028).

3. Animal Welfare Provisions:

   • Owners of affected animals will be provided with alternative accommodations ensuring the animals’ well-being.

4. Exceptions:

   • The Minister for Nature Protection can grant exceptions if suitable accommodations for the animals are unavailable.

5. Certificates and Permits:

   • New permits for keeping or showcasing non-domestic animals in traveling shows will no longer be issued, and existing permits will be revoked when animals leave.

6. Animal Registration:

   • Traveling establishments must register their animals in a national database within six months of the law’s promulgation.

This law seeks to protect wildlife and promote humane treatment by phasing out the use of non-domestic animals in traveling shows.

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India:

26/03/2018 :

• The Government of India has banned the export for commercial purposes of all wild-taken specimens of species included in Appendices I, II and III, except cultivated varieties of plant species included in Appendices I and II.

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​Wild Life (Protection) Act 1972 (Act 53 of 1972, last amended 2022) :​​​

Takin status : Schedule I, Part I (since 2006 notification).

Key trade clauses§9 (hunting ban); §49B (total ban on commercial dealings).

Section 49B(1). … no person shall— (a) commence or carry on the business as— “(i) a manufacturer of, or dealer in, scheduled animal articles; … (iii) a dealer in trophy or uncured trophy derived from any scheduled animal; … (v) a dealer in meat derived from any scheduled animal.​

Violation of §§9 or 49B involving a Schedule I species is punishable by 3–7 years imprisonment and minimum INR 25 000 fine (§51).

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Myanmar :​

​21/11/2023

Conservation of Biodiversity and Protected Areas Law 2018 (Pyidaungsu Hluttaw Law No. 12/2018, 21 May 2018)

Clause §23(b) : The Director‑General may endorse the import, export or re‑export of animals … regulated for international trade, subject to conditions.

Clause §24 : A hunting licence shall not be granted for any completely‑protected wild animal.

Takin is notified as “Completely Protected Wild Animal” in the subsidiary schedule; therefore any commercial trade or hunting is barred unless a specific scientific‑research waiver is issued under §23.

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United States :

CITES‑implementing rule

Instrument : 50 CFR §23.13 “What is prohibited” (72 FR 48448, 23 Aug 2007; amend. 79 FR 30420 / 27 May 2014).

Key text : "(a) Import, export, re‑export, or engage in international trade with any specimen of a species listed in Appendix I, II, or III of CITES [is unlawful] unless [requirements met].”

Violations are prosecutable under the Endangered Species Act 1973 and the Lacey Act (16 U.S.C. §3372(a)).

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Rules through the United States :

1. Alabama: Restrictions on exotic animals like giant snails, bobcats, and venomous reptiles unless permitted before 2021. No release of non-native animals without a license.

2. Alaska: Broad restrictions on wildlife, including wolf hybrids and chimpanzees. Some pets, like ferrets, are legal without a permit.

3. Arizona: Extensive restrictions require permits for many species like primates, foxes, and Gila monsters. Permits are issued for specific purposes like education.

4. Arkansas: Large carnivores and primates are restricted unless permitted before set years. Some venomous reptiles are allowed with permits, and up to six captive-bred animals like raccoons can be owned without a permit.

5. California: Prohibits most wild animals, including bears and primates, but allows hybrids like Savannah cats.

6. Colorado: Most exotic animals like primates and raccoons are banned, but hedgehogs and sugar gliders are allowed without permits.

7. Connecticut: Prohibits dangerous animals like bears and wolves. Limited ownership of primates allowed under specific conditions.

8. Delaware: Requires permits for exotic animals; no comprehensive list of banned animals is provided.

9. District of Columbia: Only common domestic pets like cats, dogs, and some birds are allowed. Exotic species are banned.

10. Florida: Animals categorized into Classes I-III, with varying permit requirements. Non-dangerous animals like ferrets are exempt.

11. Georgia: Strict permitting for wild animals like kangaroos and venomous snakes, while ferrets and sugar gliders are allowed under specific conditions.

12. Hawaii: Most exotic animals, including hedgehogs and ferrets, are banned. A limited number of domesticated animals are permitted.

13. Idaho: Prohibits animals harmful to agriculture, like wild boars and large cats. Llamas and guinea pigs are allowed without permits.

14. Illinois: Restricts dangerous animals like large cats and wolves to organizations. Existing primates are allowed if registered.

15. Indiana: Allows exotic animal ownership with permits for different classes, from squirrels to large predators.

16. Iowa: Restricts dangerous wild animals unless permitted before 2007. Hybrids of domestic species are allowed.

17. Kansas: Limits ownership of regulated animals like large cats, bears, and venomous snakes to approved facilities.

18. Kentucky: Bans inherently dangerous animals like primates and bears. Some permits available for non-dangerous species.

19. Louisiana: Requires permits for large snakes and prohibits endangered or dangerous species like bears and wolves.

20. Maine: Broad restrictions on exotic pets like giraffes and kangaroos. Some exotic animals like coati are permitted.

21. Maryland: Prohibits dangerous animals like primates and large cats unless registered before 2006.

22. Massachusetts: Strict restrictions on endangered species and venomous reptiles. Ferrets allowed under specific conditions.

23. Michigan: Restricts ownership of non-native species like large cats. Permits are available for captive-bred wildlife.

24. Minnesota: Prohibits regulated animals like large cats unless registered before 2005.

25. Mississippi: Requires liability insurance for permits to own inherently dangerous animals like elephants and primates.

26. Missouri: Requires registration of dangerous reptiles and mammals with law enforcement.

27. Montana: Requires annual permits for wild animals like large cats and bears. Many small exotics are legal without permits.

28. Nebraska: Captive wildlife permits needed for most wild animals, excluding certain species like skunks and bears.

29. Nevada: Relatively lenient, banning certain species like alligators but allowing primates and large cats.

30. New Hampshire: Controlled species like armadillos and cougars require permits.

31. New Jersey: Permits required for many species, including ferrets and primates. Some small animals are exempt.

32. New Mexico: Regulates zoonotic disease carriers like skunks and raccoons; local laws may impose additional restrictions.

33. New York: Prohibits most wild animals and hybrids; fines imposed for violations.

34. North Carolina: Exotic pet laws vary by county or city; no statewide restrictions.

35. North Dakota: Dangerous or hazardous animals like zebras and primates require licenses.

36. Ohio: Strict laws after a 2011 incident, banning dangerous wild animals like tigers and bears without permits.

37. Oklahoma: Permits required for venomous reptiles, while many exotic animals are exempt from regulation.

38. Oregon: Prohibits wild cat species and large predators; permits available for service monkeys.

39. Pennsylvania: Exotic wildlife permits required for animals like lions, wolves, and venomous snakes.

40. Rhode Island: Only specific organizations can own wild carnivores like lions and tigers.

41. South Carolina: Restricts large cats and apes unless registered by 2018.

42. South Dakota: Permits required for most exotic animals, with specific rules for raccoon dogs.

43. Tennessee: Classifies animals by risk level, requiring permits for certain classes.

44. Texas: Requires a certificate of registration for dangerous wild animals like wild cats and primates.

45. Utah: Controlled, noncontrolled, and prohibited animals require different levels of permitting.

46. Vermont: Requires permits for exotic animals not on the unrestricted list.

47. Virginia: Exotic animals like wild cats and crocodiles require permits.

48. Washington: Prohibits dangerous animals like bears and venomous snakes.

49. West Virginia: Requires permits with strict conditions for keeping wild animals.

50. Wisconsin: Requires licenses for wild animals, but some, like opossums and ground squirrels, are exempt.

51. Wyoming: Requires permits for most wildlife unless specifically exempted.

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Highlights:

• Stringent Restrictions: Hawaii, California, and New York are among the strictest states.

• Lenient Laws: Indiana and Nevada allow more exotic animals with fewer restrictions.

• Common Prohibitions: Dangerous animals like large cats, bears, primates, and venomous reptiles are frequently restricted.

• Permits: Most states offer permits for special cases like education or scientific purposes.