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Panda program to conserve the Giant Panda

CNTV, October 20, 2013

• Today, more than 40 pandas are living outside China. They're sent overseas mainly for diplomatic reasons, and to educate the public as they are put on display in zoos. Liu Yang has more on why the panda program is important for conserving its population.

  When pandas are first born, they are so tiny and fragile. They weigh about 1/900 (one nine hundredth) of their mother. It takes just 25 days, for the panda's distinctive look to show. And at the age of two or three some of the ones born in captivity - based on their health and genetic conditions-- will be sent out of the country. A tourist visiting China from the U.S. state of Arizona loves seeing the pandas.

  "I do think it is a good thing, before now, the only time I see panda was out in San Diego Zoo, it was amazing, they only had two there, I got to see them up close, we had really rare experience, and coming here, I have already seen 15 pandas." Melissa Brisbin, visitor from America, said.

  The Giant Panda is an endangered species, and relies on conservation efforts. Analysts say there are about 341 pandas living in captivity around the globe and 41 have been rented out for research and education purposes outside the China. Professor Qi Dunwu says joint international research is the key for growing the giant panda's population.

  "Although the panda population has been growing largely, we still need to improve the quality of the captive-bred pandas, such as on the genetics and and returning pandas to the wild." Professor Qi Dunwu from Chengdu Panda Base in Sichuan, said.

  60 natural protection areas are located all in western China. But despite the efforts, only around 2000 pandas are left in the world.

  Reporter: "The giant panda is not only a treasure of China but the entire world. Experts say research about these magnificent animals are particularly important. The Giant Pandas currently on loan to other countries are primarily for purposes of research. And this is borne out by the fact that several joint research programs have been conducted with these countries. Continuous research will unlock many mysteries that will help to conserve the Giant Panda and related species. "

  Zoos overseas pay a certain amount of fees and sign several agreements for keeping the giant pandas. The director of the Sichuan Forestry Department's wildlife survey says all the rental fees received globally have been used for the giant panda conservation program.

  "All the giant pandas overseas were selected from the captive-pandas, they are not from wild. Through international science cooperation, the population of giant pandas will continue to grow.” Yang Xuyu, director of Sichuan Forestry Department, said.

  Giant pandas are among the most rare of the world's living mammals and for China, it has also been considered as the panda diplomacy showing the country's prosperous relationship with others. It is also the world's responsibility to save this endangered species.

   

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