What can be done to help save the Giant Pandas?

Since habitat loss is a major concern, government enforced policies to reduce or stop development of forest area will help considerably. Already the Chinese government has imposed a forest logging ban in 1998. The government has also set up 33 nature reserves where development and plant and animal exploitations are forbidden. Promoting conservation messages and heightening awareness of people around the world are important. Let people know about the plight of the Giant Pandas and how they can contribute.

What are bamboo corridors?

Bamboo corridors are designed to link up fragmented forest areas so that the pandas can migrate to and fro, undisturbed, in search for new food source when the needs arise.

Why are giant pandas kept in captivity?

The reason why Giant Pandas are kept in captivity is because there are so few in the wild. Through controlled and successful breeding in captivity, the number of animals and the species' genetic diversity can be increased to stock the wild. Scientists have developed assisted reproduction techniques such as artificial insemination for breeding of Giant Pandas in captivity.

Is artificial insemination successful in captivity?

Artificial insemination has proven to be very successful in the breeding of Giant Pandas. World renowned institutes in China such the China Resarch and Conservation Centre for the Giant Panda, Wolong and the Chengdu Research base of Giant Panda Breeding have had many panda cubs born as a result of artificial insemination. Institutes outside of China, such as the Zoological Society of San Diego, USA, have also achieved success in artificial insemination.

What will happen to the cubs born in captivity?

The cubs born and raised in captivity are potentially for future re-introduction to the wild.

Besides captive breeding, what else is done in Giant Panda conservation?

In the past, conservation meant excluding people from nature reserves and protected areas. Modern conservation approaches work with the local people who live near or in the panda protected areas. These people are often poor and rely on the panda habitat areas for food. Therefore, conservation also includes helping these people through development that is sustainable and will improve their living without causing further harm to the nature reserves. We can educate them about the Giant Pandas and the values in its conservation. At the same time, we can also show them ways in which they can protect their precious nature reserves.