January 26, 2024 In a testament to China’s unwavering commitment to wildlife conservation, the National Forestry and Grassland Administration announced on Thursday that the wild giant panda population in the country has surged to nearly 1,900, marking a significant achievement in the ongoing efforts to protect this iconic species.
Over the years, China has implemented robust measures to safeguard giant pandas and their habitats, resulting in a noteworthy increase from approximately 1,100 in the 1980s to the current population. The protected area for giant pandas has expanded from 1.39 million hectares to 2.58 million hectares, ensuring the safety and sustainable development of the species.
Zhang Yue, an official with the National Forestry and Grassland Administration, highlighted the global recognition of China’s conservation endeavors. The International Union for Conservation of Nature has reclassified giant pandas from “endangered” to “vulnerable,” acknowledging China’s dedicated efforts in panda conservation.
China’s commitment to international cooperation in giant panda conservation has also been evident. Collaborating with 26 institutions from 20 countries since the 1990s, China has played a pivotal role in successful breeding initiatives. Notably, a pair of giant panda twins was bred in South Korea on July 7, 2023, and Ding Ding gave birth in Russia on August 24, with her cub named Katyusha.
As of the end of 2023, 20 institutions from 18 countries are participating in cooperative research on giant panda conservation with China. The overseas giant panda population stands at 56, residing in countries such as Japan, the US, France, Singapore, and Russia.
Giant pandas living abroad have not only become ambassadors of goodwill but also serve as a unique channel for fostering friendly exchanges between China and other nations. Their presence brings joy to people worldwide, contributing to increased public awareness of biodiversity conservation and grassroots communication.
In an effort to strengthen the protection and supervision of giant pandas overseas, the National Forestry and Grassland Administration conducted on-site inspections and assessments of 23 cooperative institutions in 19 countries in 2023. Additionally, 17 giant pandas were returned to China as per cooperation agreements, emphasizing China’s commitment to responsible conservation practices.
Looking ahead, China remains dedicated to enhancing giant panda conservation and international cooperation. Initiatives include promoting the construction of the giant panda habitat conservation system, reinforcing genetic management of captive populations, and advancing international cooperation and management mechanisms.
Since the initiation of the artificial breeding program for giant pandas in the 1960s, China has overcome significant obstacles in the reproduction process, resulting in a global captive population of 728, with 46 successfully bred in 2023, according to Zhang Yue. The success story of giant panda conservation continues to be a source of inspiration for global wildlife preservation efforts.
