The golden takin is the most spectacular subspecies of takin, with a bright golden-yellow coat that gives it its name. This massive member of the cattle family lives only in the Qinling Mountains of central China, between 2,000 and 4,000 metres above sea level, in bamboo and conifer forests. Like all takins, its skin produces a reddish oily liquid that works as a natural raincoat and keeps insects away. Males can weigh up to 300 kg and fight during the mating season by pushing hard, forehead to forehead. There are thought to be fewer than 5,000 left, and numbers keep falling. The park takes an active part in protecting it through the European breeding programme (EEP).