A rare and endangered species antelope or takin — has resurfaced in Sikkim for the first time in this part of the Himalayas. 'The well-grown, heavily-built single male animal was spotted recently when it was crossing the river, Rongchu, says C. Lachungpa, divisional forest officer (wildlife) of forest department.

'Takin (budodrcas taxicolor), as it is generally known the Menla reserve forest at a spot called 17th Mile on Nehru road, about 10 km ahead of famous Tsomgo (in East Sikkim. Despite its appearance being reported to the department earlier, the actual existence of the animal was substantiated due to lack of close observation, photography and heresay,' says Lachungpa who himself spotted the animal. Its height is about one metre, says the forest official noting that takin is protected under the Wildlife Protection, Act 1972.

Resembling the yak or an American species called is usually found in Mushimi hills of Arunachal Pradesh. It possesses golden for at the back. A black rope-like strip also runs along the shot tail which is embedded into the anal region.

Its forelimbs are solid, robust covered with long hair resembles gnu and is blackened towards the mouth. The between the horns and forehead are golden brown and the horns are pointed and sharp, says Lachungpa.

The animal, says Lachungpa, is also worshipped by natives of North Sikkim who believe it belongs to the deities of the land and mountains and the killing of which can bring about catastrophe and ill luck.