"An information resource on the giant panda, Ailuropoda melanoleuca: ecology, biology, conservation and captive care"

**An Information Resource on the Giant Panda, Ailuropoda melanoleuca: Ecology, Biology, Conservation and Captive Care

1993 - 2003

AWIC Resource Series No. 27 - May 2004**

Introduction | Evolution / Taxonomy | Habitat in China | Genetics | Anatomy

Physiology - General | Physiology - Breeding and Reproduction | Behavior | Diseases

Care in Captivity | Conservation Efforts | Selected Web Resources

Jean Larson
Animal Welfare Information Center

U.S. Department of Agriculture
Agricultural Research Service
National Agricultural Library
10301 Baltimore Avenue
Beltsville, MD 20705-2351
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General introductory comments:

If someone mentions the name Ling Ling and Hsing Hsing, most of us in the United States will know that they are talking about the delightful giant pandas that entertained visitors to the National Zoo in Washington DC for many years. For many of us, it was the first time that we were able to see these rare and endearing creatures placidly eating their bamboo and sprawled in a relaxed pose on the rocks of their enclosure.

Although we knew pandas were rare in the wild, most of didn’t realize how fragile their existence as wild creatures really was. Their habitat in the mountain bamboo forests of China is threatened by human activity of all sorts—farming, logging, poaching, removal of individuals for collections, breaking up of contiguous forests into a patchwork of plots, loss of their favorite bamboo species, exposure to new diseases, etc. Today their numbers are probably only around 1000. They are considered one of the most endangered species on Earth.

There are many efforts on the part of wildlife biologists, zoos and governmental conservation programs to ensure that the giant panda will continue to exist as a wild creature. Many of them are reflected in the scientific literature that forms the basis of this information resource on these creatures. Research is being performed to help us understand panda physiology, behavior, dietary requirements, habitat requirements, communication, reproduction, how best to protect their habitat, the roll that captive individuals (both in China and in other parts of the world) might play in keeping the species viable, etc.

There are some basic questions that most of us have about giant pandas: How unique are they? Where do they fit into the animal world taxonomically? What sort of habitat do they prefer and where is it? How do they behave and communicate with each other?

Taxonomy:

Giant pandas, Ailuropoda melanoleuca, are currently considered to be the most primitive member of the bear family—Ursidae—and have been placed in their own sub-family. However, work is still being done to determine via genetic analysis who the closest family members are, so accepted taxonomy may change.

Habitat:

Giant pandas have the smallest range of all the bears. They are found in the Tibetan Plateau of Southwestern China. They live in mountain ranges that have large areas of bamboo forests at elevations of between 4,000-12,000 feet. Since bamboo is the basis of most of the animal’s diet, they are limited to environments where bamboo is plentiful. They are also easily disturbed by the presence of humans. They tend to be solitary with a home range of 2-3 miles. Males and females may overlap home ranges, but males do not overlap ranges with other males. Currently there are only about 6 small populations with a total of about 1000 animals.

General characteristics:

Morphologically, bears have large heads, forward facing eyes, and rounded ears. They have crushing molars and long canines. Pandas have very flattened molars due to their vegetarian diet. Adults can measure 5½-6 feet in length and weigh 175-280 lbs.

Pandas are unique by having what is essentially a 6^th toe on the front paws. This toe acts like our thumb and allows them to manipulate small objects.

They are crepuscular—meaning they are most active in the early evening and the early morning.

Most bears have a delayed implantation of fertilized eggs. Those species in cold climates usually have a short mating season once a year. Pandas mate during a 1-2 week period in the spring and deliver 1-3 very tiny cubs in late summer. The mother will only raise one cub and the others will die. The surviving cub will be weaned at 9 months and will stay with the mother for about 1½ years.

Communication between pandas is by scent marking and vocalization. The males mark out their territory by marking trees, and other objects with their unique uroanogenital scents. It is often placed high up on tree trunks while standing on their “hands.” Through chemical analysis, scientists have found that the chemical mixtures used in communication are unique to individual animals. The height of the scent placement may also tell males how large the resident male is.

Pandas and society:

There is little in ancient Chinese literature or art regarding the giant panda. An emperor of the Han Dynasty (206BCE-24CE) had one in an animal collection. In the Tang Dynasty (618-907) two live pandas were sent to Japan—the first Panda diplomacy. The Tibetan people have always venerated the panda as a minor god, but there was never a big role for these animals in the Chinese society until they were discovered by Western societies.

The first glimpse of these animals was when Pere Armand David, a French missionary, sent a specimen back to the Paris Museum of Natural History in the late 1800’s. Live pandas were not seen again until 1916. During the big game hunter period, two of Teddy Roosevelt’s sons went to China and were the first Westerners to see one alive and to shoot one which was donated to the Field Museum in Chicago. In the 1930’s many collecting trips were made and these animals could be seen in several zoos around the world. Many of those collected never made it to their destinations alive since their death rate during transport was very high. Those animals did live through transport and were placed on exhibit caused a sensation wherever they were seen. People around the world became very enamored with these animals and the Panda version of the Teddy Bear was developed along with many other toys and kitchy items.

After the formation of the People’s Republic of China in 1949, few pandas were allowed out of the country. It was not until U.S. President Richard Nixon met with Chairman Mao Zedong in 1972 that the United States received Ling-Ling and Hsing-Hsing for the National Zoo. Once again the pandas generated huge crowds and lots of panda related items were made and sold. But more importantly, they also became the world symbol for the plight of many animals that are headed for extinction as a direct result of human activity.

Concerns about survival:

Since there are only about 1000 animals in the wild, it has become the goal of zoo captive programs to breed and raise individuals for release into wild populations. This does not seem to be working very well with this species. According to the information in Grizmeks ( v. 12, 224) about 140 animals are currently in a captive status. 226 animals were born to captive mothers between 1963 and 1998. Only 52% of them have survived longer than 1 month. To date, not one individual from these captive populations has reached reproductive status. Therefore, it is unlikely that the captive programs will have greater success in the near future with these reproductively complex and fragile animals.

The best hope for pandas is the protection of them in their habitats, better management of the activities in the habitats, ensuring that the panda’s favorite bamboo species are healthy, reducing habitat fragmentation, reducing the level of interactions with humans in the prime habitats, and keeping diseases such as dog distemper virus out of the populations, etc.

It is hoped that conservation efforts will enable the giant panda to survive in the wild environment of their homeland. With the lessons learned in keeping these rare creatures from extinction, we may discover how to provide the proper stewardship for other rare creatures both in the wild and in captive situations.

It is with these hopes in mind, that the compiler dedicates this document to those interesting, lovable, attention getting, and playful animals we know as the giant panda. May there continue to be wild pandas living life as they have evolved to live it--in their mountain forest of bamboo.

References used:

1. Lumpkin, Susan and John Seidensticker. Smithsonian Book of Giant Pandas. Washington and London; Smithsonian Institution Press. 2002. ISBN: 1-56098-038-4. (cloth) 1-58834-013-0 (pbk)

NAL call no: QL737.C214L86 2002

2. Grzimek, Bernhard. Other authors Neil Schlager, Donna Olendorf, and Melissa McDade. Grzimeks Animal Life Encyclopedia. 2^nd ed . 2003. Detroit: Gale, 2003. ISBN: 0-78765-362-4 (hard cover-alk paper). Note: The volume on Mammals I-V was the source material.

NAL call no: QL7.G7813 2003

Selected WWW resources:

The five websites listed below are on the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), some CITES related documents specific to the Giant Panda.

http://www.cites.org “The third generation of the CITES website was officially launched on 18 June 2001. It was designed to facilitate access to the official documents maintained or received by the secretariat (Resolutions and Decisions of the Conference of the Parties, documents of the committees, Notifications to the Parties sent by the Secretariat at the end of each month, etc.) as well as to establish a general source of information about CITES for the general public.” It covers many topics including information about the Convention and how it works, programs, resource databases, reports, terminology, useful links and many of the official documents and committee reports, etc. It also has a wonderful photo gallery of all species on the endangered list.

http://www.fws.gov/international/cites/cites.html The site on the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is produced and maintained by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service International division. There is a full text summary section of the 25 articles of the law. There are also sections listing party and non-party countries, the species currently under CITES protection, U.S. designated ports of entry, etc. In addition, there are sections containing U.S. conventions and laws, fact sheets, U.S. Federal Register Notices, CITES updates, topics of the recent U.S. National Reports.

http://www.fws.gov/international/fedregister/pandpoly.html This links to the full text of the August 27, 1998, Federal Register notice from the U.S. Department of Interior’s Fish and Wildlife Service, International Affairs Policy on Giant Panda Permits. It is clarification of “what information the Service considers in making the permit findings under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species and the U.S. Endangered Species Act and to assist persons in filing a complete application.”

Giant Panda Species Survival Plan: http://www.nagonline.net/Fact%20Sheet%20pdf/AZA%20-%20Giant%20Panda%20Species%20Survival%20Plan.pdf

The website contains the text of "Giant Panda 98 Fact Sheet with the date 9/1/98". Species Survival Plan for giant pandas that was developed by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association with other organizations. Dr. Donald G. Lindburg is the author and the Species Survival Plan coordinator.

Giant Panda Species Survival Plan: http://www.giantpandaonline.org/

The website contains the Species Survival Plan for giant pandas that was developed by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association with other organizations. The “plan is a coordinated effort in breeding, genetic management, and scientific studies.” The site also has information about pandas, their care and management in captivity, and a number of links to zoo with pandas. There is also a section on news and information of interest.

About this Document

There have been a number of decisions made regarding the topics that are included in this publication. In most cases, the topics are related to the whole animal: biology, behavior, nutrition, feeds, reproductive physiology and the birth process, breeding and genetics, diseases, disease organisms, external and internal parasites, hand rearing, veterinary care, etc. Since there is a very concerted effort to house, breed and raise these animals in a variety of captive situations, you will find numerous papers on that topic. Although the papers selected are mostly related to the biology and husbandry/care of the panda, there are also papers on the economics and sociological aspects related to panda conservation efforts and natural reserves and the role of pandas in the lives of the local people.

The information in this document was extracted primarily from a variety of resources and is quite comprehensive. The published sources of most of the information include: journal articles, books, book chapters, conference papers, and reports. Abstracts are included when available. Some credible World Wide Web resources are also listed. All references for materials in the National Agricultural Library (NAL) collection include the NAL call number for ease when requesting photocopies or interlibrary loans. Please go to http://www.nal.usda.gov/services/request.shtml for lending and document delivery information.

The bibliographic citation section of the document is organized by subject areas and further arranged chronologically by publication year and then alphabetically by author within each year. There is not an index. It is expected that by searching with key words, the user will find what is of interest. Although much of the information is in English there is a significant amount of this material in Chinese. All translated titles are in []’s. References include materials published from 1993-2003. Also see the earlier publication by K. Kenyon, The Giant Panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca): A Bibliography 1936-1994 http://www.nal.usda.gov/awic/zoo/panda.pdf

The compiler welcomes additional information from other sources for inclusion as well as any comments or suggestions. Since it is desirable to have a comprehensive resource of information on these animals, collaborators are also welcome. If you have or know of science-based information that would enhance this publication, please contact the compiler. Note that any information submitted must include important elements of identification and access i.e. author, year, publication information, title, accessibility, etc.

Please send your comments, information, or suggestions -- Contact us

2003

Endo, Hideki; Taru, Hajime; Yamamoto, Masako; Arishima, Kazuyoshi; Sasaki, Motoki. Comparative morphology of the muscles of mastication in the giant panda and the Asiatic black bear. Annals of Anatomy. 2003, 185(3): 287-292. ISSN: 0940-9602

Descriptors: Ailuropoda melanoleuca, Asiatic black bear, Ursus thibetanus, skull characteristics, muscles of mastication weights, macroscopically observation, differences, zygomatic width, pterygoid muscles, lateral slips, masseter muscle, relationships to food sources.

2002

Nash, W.G.; Menninger, J.C.; Wienberg, J.; Padilla-Nash, H.M.; O'Brien, S.J. The pattern of phylogenomic evolution of the Canidae. Cytogenetics and Cell Genetics. 2002; 95(3-4): 210-224. ISSN: 0301-0171

NAL call no: 442.8 C992

Descriptors: Canidae, phylogeny, genetic relationships, chromosomes, chromosome composition and homology, phylogenomic evolutionary pattern implications, chromosome structure, phylogenomic evolutionary pattern, karyotypes.

Wang, Xiao Jing; Wang, Xiao Xing; Wang, Ya Jun; Wang, Xi Zhong; He, Guang Xin; Chen, Hong Wei; Fei, Li Song. Molecular cloning of the DNA sequence of Activin [beta]A subunit gene mature peptides from panda and related species and its application in the research of phylogeny and taxonomy. Acta Genetica Sinica. 2002 Sep; 29(9): 782-786. ISSN: 0379-4172. Note: In Chinese with a Chinese and an English summary.

Descriptors: phylogeny analysis, PHYLIP software, phylogeny tree, Ailurus fulgens, red panda, Ailuropoda melanoleuca, giant panda, Helarctos malayanus, Malayan sun bear, nucleic acids, molecular genetics, phylogenetic and systematic significance, Activin-[beta]A DNA sequences, giant panda should be in the bear family (Uersidae), red panda should be its own family.

2001

Nash, W.G.; Menninger, J.C.; Wienberg, J.; Padilla-Nash, H.M.; O' Brien, S.J. The pattern of phylogenomic evolution of the Canidae. Cytogenetics and Cell Genetics. 2001, 95(3-4): 210-224. ISSN: 0301-0171

NAL call no: 442.8 C992

Descriptors: Zoo FISH, chromosomal painting, flow-sorting chromosomes, Japanese raccoon dog, Nyctereutes procyonoides, arctic fox, Alopex lagopus, crab-eating fox, Cerdocyon thous, domestic cat, Felis catus, representative of the ancestral carnivore karyotype (ACK), and giant panda, Ailuropoda melanoleuca.

2000

Urashima, T.; Saito, T.; Nakamura, T.; Arai, I. [Phylogenetic development of milk oligosaccharides, especially in the Ursidae and the related species in Carnivora.] Symposium 2000. Milk Science. 2000, 49(3): 195-202. ISSN: 1343-0289 Note: In Japanese.

Descriptors: mammal milk comparisons, brown bear milk, polar bear milk, seal milk, panda milk, walrus milk, oligosaccharides, chromatographic analysis.

1999

Wang, Ya Jun; Yang, Yu Hua; Wang, Xi Zhong; Chen, Hong Wei; He, Guang Xin; Fei, Li Song; Song, Yun Fang; Yang, Yun; Yu, Gang. [A comparative study of banded chromosomes of giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) and black bear (Selenarctos thibetanus).] Acta Genetica Sinica. 1999; 26(4): 309-314. ISSN: 0379-4172. Note: In Chinese with a Chinese and an English summary.

Descriptors: Ailuropoda melanoleuca, Selenarctos thibetanus, chromosome banding patterns, late replication patterns, comparison study, evolutionary implications, species divergence.

1998

Lan, Hong; Wang, Wen. Phylogenetic relationships among giant panda and related species based on restriction site variations in rDNA spacers. Zoological Research. 1998 Oct; 19(5): 337-343. ISSN: 0254-5853. Note: In English with a Chinese summary.

Descriptors: Arctoidea, Felis lynx, nucleic acids, molecular genetics, phylogeny, phylogenetic relationships, biochemical variation, rDNA restriction maps, species comparisons, phylogenetic-implications; red panda, Ailurus fulgens, racoon, Procyon lotor, giant panda, Ailuropoda melanoleuca, Helarctos malayanus, Selenarctos thibetanus.

1997

Lin, Feng; Yang, Yu Hua; Zhang, Yiz Heng; Chen, Hong Wei; Fei, Li Song; Song, Yun Fang; He, Guang Xi; Zhang, An Ju. A preliminary study on the taxonomy position of giant panda using RAPD. Acta Theriologica Sinica. 1997; 17(3): 161-164. ISSN: 1000-1050. Note: In Chinese with a Chinese and an English summary.

Descriptors: Ailuropoda melanoleuca, nucleic acids, DNA fragment, analysis and comparisons, taxonomic position.

1996

Ledje, C.; Arnason, U. Phylogenetic analyses of complete cytochrome b genes of the order Carnivora with particular emphasis on the Caniformia. Journal of Molecular Evolution Feb 1996. 42(2): 135-144. ISSN: 0022-2844

NAL call no: QH359.J6

Descriptors: dogs, cats, bears, pandas, carnivores, mammals, mitochondrial DNA, structural genes, cytochrome B, nucleotide sequences, phylogeny, chemotaxonomy.

Abstract: The evolutionary relationships among the Carnivora were studied in a phylogenetic analysis based on the complete mitochondrial cytochrome b gene. The study, which addressed primarily the relationships among the Caniformia, included 4 feliform and 26 caniform species, with 9 pinnipeds. The analysis identified five caniform clades: Canidae, Ailuridae (with the monotypic lesser panda), Musteloidea (Mustelidae + Procyonidae), Ursidae (including the giant panda), and Pinnipedia. The closest relatives of the Pinnipedia among terrestrial caniforms were not identified conclusively. Our analysis shows that the skunks are only distantly related to remaining mustelids (Mustelidae sensu stricto) and that the family Mustelidae, including the skunks, is paraphyletic. The relationship among the five caniform clades was unresolved, suggesting an evolutionary separation within a relatively short period of time. Based on distance values, we propose that this primary diversification took place approximately 45 million years ago.

Tougard, Christelle; Chaimanee, Yaowalak; Suteethorn, Varavudh; Triamwichanon, Somchai; Jaeger, Jean Jacques. Extension of the geographic distribution of the giant panda (Ailuropoda) and search for the reasons for its progressive disappearance in Southeast Asia during the latest Middle Pleistocene. Comptes Rendus de l'Academie des Sciences Serie II A: Sciences de la Terre et des Planetes. 1996 2 Decembre; 323(11): 973-979. ISSN: 1251-8050. Note: Abridged French version. In French and English with summaries in both languages.

Descriptors: Ailuropoda melanoleuca baconi, paleontology, Pleistocene distribution and range, climate and weather changes, range contraction relations, Oriental region, Thailand Chaiyaphum, Kon San, Thum Wiman Nakin cave, fossil records, first record for Thailand, zoogeographical significance, possible explanations.

1994

Gittleman, John L. Are pandas successful specialists or evolutionary failures? Bioscience. 1994 July-August; 44(7): 456-464. ISSN: 0006-3568.

NAL call no: 500 AM322A

Descriptors: Ailurus fulgens, red panda, Ailuropoda melanoleuca, giant panda, adaptation, conservation measures, phylogeny implications, divergence, a review.

1993

Hashimoto, Tetsuo; Otaka, Eiko; Adachi, Jun; Mizuta, Keiko; Hasegawa, Masami. The giant panda is closer to a bear, judged by [alpha]- and [beta]-hemoglobin sequences. Journal of Molecular Evolution. 1993 March; 36(3): 282-289. ISSN: 0022-2844.

NAL call no: QH359.J6

Descriptors: Ailuropoda melanoleuca, taxonomy, beta hemoglobin sequences, proteins, amino acids, phylogenetic analysis of alpha and beta hemoglobin, phylogenetic relationships between panda and bears.

Huang, Wan Po. [The skull, mandible and dentition of giant pandas (Ailuropoda): morphological characters and their evolutionary implications.] Vertebrata Palasiatica. 1993; 31(3): 191-207. ISSN: 1000-3118 Note: In Chinese with a Chinese and an English summary.

NAL call no: QE841.K8

Descriptors: Ursidae, Ailuropoda, Ailurarctos, Ursus, Pleistocene, evolution and skull morphology, measurements, differences, comparisons, dentition, mandibles, China.

O'Brien, Stephen J. Fuzzy thinking about the giant panda's ancestry. In: Stirling, Ian [Ed.]. Bears: A Complete Guide to Every Species. Majestic Creatures of the Wild. Harper Collins. London. 1993: 34-35. ISBN: 0002199866

Descriptors: Ailuropoda melanoleuca, evolutionary adaptation, phylogeny, closest genetic relatives.

Pan, Wen Shi; Lu, Zhi. The giant panda. In: Stirling, Ian (ed.). Bears: A Complete Guide to Every Species. Majestic Creatures of the Wild. Harper Collins. London. 1993: 140-145. ISBN: 0002199866

Descriptors: Ailuropoda melanoleuca, population distribution, biology, life history, diets, habitats, China.

Wang, Ren Fei; et al. [The skeleton of the giant panda in Mt. Huayinshan.] Sichuan Journal of Zoology. 1994 Nov; 13(4): 181. ISSN: 1000-7083. Note: In Chinese.

Descriptors: Ailuropoda melanoleuca, skeleton record, Huayinshan Mountains, Sichuan, China.

2003

Chen,You Ping; et al. [Surveillance on giant panda habitats in Wanglang Nature Reserve, Sichuan.] Sichuan Journal of Zoology. 2003 February; 22(1): 49-50. ISSN: 1000-7083. Note: In Chinese.

Descriptors: Ailuropoda melanoleuca, Wanglang Nature Reserve, habitats surveillance and analysis.

Li, Yun; Ren, Yi; Jia, Hui. [The taxonomic studies on the bamboo as the main food of giant panda from Mt. Qinling.] Acta Botanica Boreali Occidentalia Sinica. 2003, 23(1): 127-129. ISSN: 1000-4025. Note: In Chinese with an English summary.

NAL call no: QK1.H75

Descriptors: 4 genera, wild bamboo, food sources for pandas, Bashania fargesii, Fargesia qinlingensis, Fargesia dracocephala, Indocalamus latifolius, Chimonobambusa angustifolia, Phyllostachys sulphurea.

Loucks, C.J.; Lu, Zhi; Dinerstein, E.; Wang, Da Jun; Fu, Da Li; Wang, Hao; The giant pandas of the Qinling Mountains, China: a case study in designing conservation landscapes for elevational migrants. Conservation Biology. 2003, 17(2): 558-565. ISSN: 0888-8892. Note: In English with a Spanish summary.

NAL call no: QH75.A1C5

Descriptors: Ailuropoda melanoleuca, endangered species, 24 montane forest areas, refuge has 220 pandas, elevational migrants, nature reserves, linkages between habitat blocks, outlook for long term survival of the species in the wild, Shaanxi Province, China.

Lu, Yihe; Chen, Liding; Fu, Bojie; Liu, Shiliang. A framework for evaluating the effectiveness of protected areas: The case of Wolong Biosphere Reserve. Landscape and Urban Planning. 2003 15 May; 63(4): 213-223. ISSN: 0169-2046

NAL call no: QH75.A1L32

Descriptors: Ailuropoda melanoleuca, conservation measures, Wolong Biosphere Reserve, operational framework for conservation, effectiveness of reserve, China.

Zeng, Tao; Ran, Jiang Hong; Liu, Shao Ying; Sun, Zhi Yu; Liu, Shi Chang; Zeng, Zong Yong. [Habitat exploitation by panda in the Baihe Nature Reserve.] Chinese Journal of Applied and Environmental Biology. 2003; 9(4): 405-408; Serial No 44. ISSN: 1006-687X. Note: In Chinese with a Chinese and an English summary.

NAL call no: QH301.Y56

Descriptors: Ailuropoda melanoleuca, habitat usage, route method, sampling spots, droppings spots, gnawing spots, preferred locations, elevations, water resources, Fargesia nitida, bamboo forests, areas with no human disturbance, Baihe Nature Reserve, China.

2002

An, L.; Lupi, F; Liu, J.G.; Linderman, M.A.; Huang, JinYan Modeling the choice to switch from fuelwood to electricity implications for giant panda habitat conservation. Ecological Economics. 2002, 42(3): 445-457. ISSN: 0921-8009

NAL call no: QH540.E26

Descriptors: Ailuropoda melanoleuca, biodiversity of habitat concerns, electrical energy, fuelwood, environmental impact, panda habitats, human activity, conservation, Wolong Nature Reserve, habitat loss, sociological study of choices for cooking and heating, China.

Chen, Yong Hong; Guo, Jian; Hu, Jin Chu. [The application of cluster analysis in the census of giant panda in field.] Nanjing Shida Xuebao Ziran Kexue Ban. 2002 20 Mar; 25(1): 24-27, 37. ISSN: 1001-4616. Note: In Chinese with a Chinese and an English summary.

Descriptors: Ailuropoda melanoleuca, censusing techniques, population studies, accuracy determination, cluster analysis, bite site of panda faces, Yele Natural Reserve, China.

Guo, Jian; Chen, Yong Hong; Zhang, Hong De; Chen, Guo Zhong; Hu, Jin Chu; Wu, Yi; A mathematical model for the population of giant pandas and bamboo in Yele Nature Reserve of Xiangling Mountains. Journal for Nature Conservation. 2002, 10(2): 69-74. ISSN: 1617-1381

Descriptors: Ailuropoda melanoleuca, mathematical model, relationship between panda populations and bamboo Bashania spanostachya collapse, food sources, Yele Nature Reserve, China.

Guo, Jian; Chen, Yong Hong; Hu, Jin Chu. Population viability analysis of giant pandas in the Yele Nature reserve. Journal for Nature Conservation. 2002; 10(1): 35-40. ISSN: 1617-1381.

Descriptors: Ailuropoda melanoleuca, conservation measures, population genetics, population dynamics, Sichuan, population sustainability, Xiangling Mountains, Yele Nature Reserve, China.

Hu, Jie; Li, Yan Hong; Hu, Jin Chu; Yu, Xiao Yan. Population of giant panda in Qingchuan County, Sichuan. Sichuan Journal of Zoology. 2003 February; 22(1): 46-48. ISSN: 1000-7083. Note: In Chinese with a Chinese and an English summary.

Descriptors: Ailuropoda melanoleuca, population size trends, forest habitat preference, Qingchuan County, Sichuan, China.

Kontoleon, A.; Swanson, T.; Wang, Qi Wen; Xuejun, Q; Yang, C; Pearce, D (ed.); Pearce, C (ed.); Palmer, C. Optimal ecotourism: the economic value of the giant panda in China. Edward Elgar Publishing Ltd; Cheltenham; UK. Valuing the Environment in Developing Countries: Case Studies. 2002, 206-235. ISBN: 1-84064-148-7

Descriptors: Ailuropoda melanoleuca, tourist value, ecotourism development, Wolong Reserve, willing to pay, carrying-capacity, contingent valuation, demand, nature reserves, returns on investment, China.

Liu, Xue Hua; Skidmore, Andrew K.; Wang, Tie Jun; Yong, Yange; Prins, Herbert H.T. Giant panda movements in Foping Nature Reserve, China. Journal of Wildlife Management. 2002 October; 66(4): 1179-1188. ISSN: 0022-541X

NAL call no: 410 J827

Descriptors: Ailuropoda melanoleuca, field study, radio tracking data, behavior and movement patterns within habitat, seasonal ranges, winter range below 1,950 m, summer range above 2,150m, conservation planning, Foping Nature Reserve, China.

Lu, Zhi. Giant Pandas in the Wild: Saving an Endangered Species. New York. 2002: 1-128. ISBN: 0893819972. Note: Includes an essay by G.B. Shaller.

Descriptors: Ailuropoda melanoleuca, conservation of endangered species, comprehensive works, distribution, biology and conservation, comprehensive account, China.

Lumpkin, Susan; Seidensticker, John. Smithsonian Book of Giant Pandas. Washington [D.C.]: Smithsonian Institution Press, c2002. xiii, 206 p.: col. ill. ISBN: 1588340384

NAL call no: QL737.C214 L86 2002

Descriptors: Ailuropoda melanoleuca, giant panda, endangered species, wildlife conservation, biology, habitat, life history, interactions between animals and humans, zoos.

Ran, Jiang Hong; et al. [Main associated animals in giant panda habitat in Qingchuan County, Sichuan.] Sichuan Journal of Zoology. 2002 Feb; 21(1): 50-52. ISSN: 1000-7083. Note: In Chinese.

Descriptors: Ailuropoda melanoleuca, comprehensive zoology, mountain habitat, fauna associated with habitat, endangered pandas, China.

Shen, Guo Zhen; Li, Jun Qing; Ren, Yan Lin; Ma, Yu Fei. [Indicators for giant panda's habitat degradation and restoration.] Journal of Beijing Forestry University. 2002, 24(4): 1-5. ISSN: 1000-1522. Note: In Chinese with an English summary.

NAL call no: SD221.P45

Descriptors: Abies, Ailuropoda melanoleuca, Picea, topography, altitude, slope grade, aspect, bamboos, botanical composition, forest canopy, forest trees, habitat destruction indicators, natural and wildlife conservation, plant communities, plant heights, restoration, reallocation and rehabilitation, shrubs, stand density, China.

Wang, Hao; Li, Sonn Gang; Pan, Wen Shi. Population viability analysis of giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) in Qinling Mountains. Acta Scientiarum Naturalium Universitatis Pekinensis. 2002 Nov 20; 38(6): 756-761; Total No 190. ISSN: 0479-8023. Note: In Chinese with a Chinese and an English summary.

Descriptors: Ailuropoda melanoleuca, endangered status, Qinling Mountains, wild animal population dynamics, population viability analysis model.

Zhang, Ying Yi; Wang, Hao; Wang, Da Jun; Zhu, Xiao Jian. Feeding behavior of wild giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) in Qinling Mountains. Acta Scientiarum Naturalium Universitatis Pekinensis. 2002 July 20; 38(4): 478-486; Total No 188. ISSN: 0479-8023. Note: In Chinese with a Chinese and an English summary.

Descriptors: Ailuropoda melanoleuca, wild animals, feeding behavior, bamboo, Qinling Mountains, China.

Zeng, Zong Yong; Yue, Bi Song; Ran, Jiang Hong; Liu, Shao Ying; Chen, You Ping; Jiang, Shi Wei. Panda's exploitation of habitats at the Wanglang Nature Reserve. Sichuan Daxue Xuebao (Ziran Kexueban). 2002 Dec; 39(6): 1140-1144; Sum No 150. ISSN: 0490-6756. Note: In Chinese with a Chinese and an English summary.

Descriptors: Ailuropoda melanoleuca, animal behavior, habitat utilization, behavior patterns, effects of human activities, Wanglang Nature Reserve, nature reserve, montane forests habitat, China.

2001

An, L.; Liu, J.G.; Ouyang, Zhi Yun; Linderman, M.; Zhou, Shi Qiang; Zhang, He Min. Simulating demographic and socioeconomic processes on household level and implications for giant panda habitats. Ecological Modelling. 2001, 140(1-2): 31-49. ISSN: 0304-3800

NAL call no: QH541.15.M3E25

Descriptors: Ailuropoda melanoleuca, demography, fuel consumption, fuelwood, habitats, nature reserves, simulation models, socioeconomics, wildlife conservation, China.

Cai, Xu Shen. Superfical [Superficial] view on reasons why giant panda becoming rare and in imminent danger. Sichuan Journal of Zoology. 2001 August; 20(3): 168. ISSN: 1000-7083

Descriptors: Ailuropoda melanoleuca, endangered status, comment.

Guo, Ji An; Hu, Jin Chu. The study of the distribution pattern of giant panda's feces and it's [sic] application. Acta Theriologica Sinica. 2001 Aug; 21(3): 180-186. ISSN: 1000-1050. Note: In Chinese with a Chinese and an English summary.

Descriptors: Ailuropoda melanoleuca, abundance and distribution of feces, indicators of population density, habitat utilization, new methods of temporary spatial distribution plots, 8 individuals, Yele Natural Reserve, China.

Li, Zhao Hua; Denich, M. An approach on the survivorship of giant panda in wild. Journal of Forestry Research. 2001, 12(1): 59-62. ISSN: 1007-662X

NAL call no: SD221.J67

Descriptors: Ailuropoda melanoleuca, population declines, natural habitat destruction, catching and poaching, bamboo flowering, conservation, possible reintroduction, China.

Liu, J.; Linderman, M.; Ouyang, Z.; An, L.; Yang, J.; Zhang, H. Ecological degradation in protected areas: the case of Wolong Nature Reserve for giant pandas. Science. (Washington) Apr 6, 2001. 292(5514): 98-101. ISSN: 0036-8075.

NAL call no: 470 SCI2

Descriptors: nature reserves, Ailuropoda melanoleuca, conservation concerns, endangered species, environmental degradation, China.

Abstract: It is generally perceived that biodiversity is better protected from human activities after an area is designated as a protected area. However, we found that this common perception was not true in Wolong Nature Reserve (southwestern China), which was established in 1975 as a "flagship" protected area for the world-renowned endangered giant pandas. Analyses of remote sensing data from pre- and post-establishment periods indicate that the reserve has become more fragmented and less suitable for giant panda habitation. The rate of loss of high quality habitat after the reserve's establishment was much higher than before the reserve was created, and the fragmentation of high-quality habitat became far more severe. After the creation of the reserve, rates of habitat loss and fragmentation inside the reserve unexpectedly increased to levels that were similar to or higher than those outside the reserve, in contrast to the situation before the reserve was created.

Liu, Xue Hua. Mapping and Modelling the Habitat of Giant Pandas in Foping Nature Reserve, China