A cow-like animal was recorded for the first time in Henan Mongolian Autonomous County, northwest China's Qinghai Province. After verification by wildlife experts in Qinghai Province, the mammal was recognized as a takin, an endangered wild animal under first class state protection in China. It is the first takin found in Qinghai Province.

The appearance may indicate progress by Qinghai in ecological environment protection. "The ecological environment has been improved significantly, attracting a large number of rare and endangered wild animals to inhabit," said Dora Tsering, secretary of the party branch of Jianke Village in Henan Mongolian Autonomous County.  "So far we have recorded movements of snow leopards, takin, brown bears and some other protected wild animals." 

Takins are found in forests and alpine grasslands at altitudes of between 1,000 and 4,500 meters. 

(Cover image via VCG)

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