A black-and-white bear or a giant racoon: scientists are still arguing the origins of China's legendary and much-loved giant panda. Today this symbol of endangered wildlife faces again the threat of starvation in its last wilderness stronghold as its favourite food, bamboo, dies out.
Recently, a unique Sino-American expedition has not only been tracking and observing wild pandas in the spectacular heart of the mountainous province of Sichuan, but working with the Chinese to perfect techniques of breeding the giant panda, whose enigmatic sex-life has frequently made global headlines.
A National Geographic Society and WQED Pittsburgh film
Narrated and presented for BBCtv by Barry Paine
BBC Bristol