If an 800-pound takin could negotiate the steep steps without putting a foot through a board, then so could we. A mile or so from the barn, which slouched not far from the headquarters of China's Tangjiahe Reserve, the footpath along the river dwindled away. Only a takin trail snaked along the rugged valley slope. Scrambling clumsily, it was clear why no takin would retreat from a set of stairs. Despite their massive size, thickset build, and gawky appearance, takins can tiptoe up and down the most precipitous of tracks and leap from crag to crag like ballet dancers across a stage.
Takins can even balance on their hind hooves to nibble on vegetation eight feet above ground.
Others include serow, tufted deer, golden monkeys, and several species of pheasant. Leopards, clouded leopards, wild dogs, musk deer, and Asiatic black bear also make appearances. While giant pandas receive all the attention, conservationists are quietly working to save some of these less acclaimed but equally endangered animals and their habitats. CI has identified 25 regions as being the highest priority for conservation action and investment. The giant panda, for instance, is endemic to central China.