What is a Giant Panda nature reserve?

A Giant Panda nature reserve is a wilderness area, home to the Giant Pandas, where they are protected from human activities. So far 33 nature reserves are established by the Chinese government.

Where are the nature reserves found in China?

The three provinces of Sichuan, Gansu and Shaanxi provinces where Giant Pandas are only found.

When was the first Giant Panda nature reserves established?

The first 4 nature reserves were established in 1963, two of which are in the Sichuan province, the Wanglang Reserve in Pingyu county and the Wolong Reserve in Wenchuan county.

What is the size of all of the nature reserves put together?

The 33 established nature reserves provide over 16,000Km of protected forest in and around the Giant Panda habitat.

Is the establishment of nature reserves enough to help save the Giant Pandas?

In addition to nature reserves, bamboo corridors are necessary to link up the often small and scattered reserve areas so that the pandas can roam to different areas in search for food or mating partners. Nature reserves can also be expanded to allow larger populations of pandas that can prevent in-breeding.

Are there any rules or regulations inside the nature reserves?

Strict laws are passed down by the Chinese government to protect the nature reserves. For example any form of plant and animal exploitations are prohibited. Offenders may be fined or imprisoned. Residence within the nature reserves is restricted to existing residents only. Management plans for nature reserves are carefully designed and reviewed by many levels of government officials.

Besides offering protection for Giant Pandas, are nature reserves of any other use?

Nature reserves also offer protection for all of the precious wildlife within, plants and animals, co-existing with Giant Pandas. Nature reserves are home to other rare species such as the red pandas, golden money and takin. Protected from human activities, nature reserves contain healthy forest areas and rivers flowing with.