**United States           Department of           Agriculture**

 

**Agricultural           Research           Service**

 

**National           Agricultural           Library**

 

***Animal Welfare           Information           Center***

 **********An             Information Resource on the Giant Panda, *Ailuropoda**melanoleuca*:             Ecology, Biology, Conservation and Captive Care**            1993 - 2003**AWIC Resource Series No. 27 - May2004************ 
****Introduction | Evolution               / Taxonomy | Habitat in China | Genetics               | AnatomyPhysiology - General | Physiology               - Breeding and Reproduction | Behavior |               DiseasesCare 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          Telephone: (301) 504-6212          Fax: (301) 504-7125          E-mail: awic@nal.usda.govwww.nal.usda.gov/awicDisclaimers
 

 

An Introduction to the Giant   Panda (*Ailuropoda melanoleuca*)

**General introductory     comments:
 
If someone mentions the name Ling     Ling and HsingHsing, 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 WashingtonDC     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     51⁄2-6 feet in length and weigh 175-280 lbs.

 

Pandas are unique by having what is essentially a 6th 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 11⁄2 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 FieldMuseum     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.*2nded .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.cites.org/eng/notifs/1996/932.shtmlA section of the website above contains     the text of the Notification of 932, Geneva,     4 September 1996 Concerning     Loans of Giant Pandas. 
 
http://international.fws.gov/cites/cites.htmlThe 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://international.fws.gov/fedregister/pandpoly.html     This links to the full text of theAugust 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 see http://www.nal.usda.gov/ddsb/ 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 (Ailuropodamelanoleuca): 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 to:

The Animal Welfare Information Center    10301 Baltimore     Ave.Beltsville, Maryland, 20705, USA    E-mail: awic@nal.usda.gov    Tel: 301-504-6212    Fax: 301-504-7125
 

******Evolution / Taxonomy
 
************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. 
 
**Return to: Contents**
******Habitat in 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**BotanicaBorealiOccidentaliaSinica*. 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**ShidaXuebaoZiranKexue     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, GuoZhong;     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,     XianglingMountains, 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, QiWen; 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,     XueHua; 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**, Ailuropodamelanoleuca, 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**ScientiarumNaturaliumUniversitatisPekinensis.* 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, QinlingMountains, 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**ScientiarumNaturaliumUniversitatisPekinensis.* 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**DaxueXuebao     (ZiranKexueban)*. 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, ZhiYun; 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, JiAn; Hu, Jin Chu**.The study of the distribution     pattern of giant panda's feces and it's [sic] application.***Acta**TheriologicaSinica.* 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,     XueHua.*Mapping     and Modelling the Habitat of Giant Pandas in Foping Nature**Reserve**,**China**.*2001, viii + 156 pp.; many ref.WageningenUniversiteit; Wageningen;     Netherlands.ISBN:90-5808-496-5.     Note: a thesis in English with Chinese     and Dutch summaries. 
Descriptors:mapping habit, *Ailuropoda**melanoleuca*, remote sensing data, digital     terrain data, radio tracking data, field survey plot data, GIS, panda movement,     habitat use, woody plant species richness and spatial structure of tree and     bamboo layers, environmental factors, elevation, slope gradient, aspect, China.
 
Loucks, C.J.; Lu Zhi; Dinerstein, E; Wang, Ha O.; Olson, D.M.; Zhu, Chunquan; Wang, Da Jun. **Giant pandas in a changing landscape*.****Science*(Washington.) 2001, 294(5546): 1465.ISSN: 0036-8075.
NAL     call no: 470 SCI2 
Descriptors:     *Ailuropoda**melanoleuca*, endangered species, mountain habitats, Qinlingmountains, landscape and     habitat protection, wildlife conservation, China. 
*Abstract:* This paper presents the     situation of giant pandas (*Ailuropoda**melanoleuca*) in the changing landscape of China. A landscape analysis     of pandas in the Qinlingmountains     found that increased protection and linkage of fragmented mid-elevation habitat,     much of it outside of existing reserves, is necessary to meet habitat requirements     of panda populations. Given proper habitat protection, wild panda populations     will rebound and grow. 
 
**2000
 
Guo, Jian; Hu, Jin Chu**.****[The food base of the giant     panda in Yele Natural Reserve*.*]*****Journal     of**Nanjing****Forestry****University**.* 2000, 24: 5, 41-44. ISSN:1000-2006.     Note:In Chinese with an English summary. 
NAL     call no:SD85.N3
Descriptors:*Ailuropoda**melanoleuca,* food source analysis, bamboo, *Fargesia**forax*, *Fargesia**dulcicula*, *Fargesia**exposixa*, *Yushania**tineloata*, *Y. lineolata*, *Bashania**spanostachya,* availability of food, China.
 
Hu, Jie; Hu, Jin Chu; Qu, ZhiBiao;     Yang, Dong Lei.**[The study on the giant panda's selection and utilization to *Fargesia**nitida* in Huanglong.]*******Zoological Research.* 2000, 21(1):     48-52.ISSN:0254-5853. Note:In     Chinese with an English summary. 
NAL     call no:QL1.T85
Descriptors:*Ailuropoda**melanoleuca,* selection and utilization, bamboo, *Fargesia**nitida*, Huanglongsi Reserve compared to other locations, age of shoots,     seasonal variation, bamboo choice varies with location, wild animals, China. 
 
Wei, Fu     Wen; Wang, Zu Wang; Feng, ZuoJian**.****Energy flow through populations     of giant pandas and red pandas in Yele Natural Reserve.***Acta**ZoologicaSinica.* 2000 Sept; 46(3): 287-294. ****ISSN:0001-7302. Note:In     Chinese with a Chinese and an English summary. 
NAL     call no:410 AC87
Descriptors:*Ailuropoda**melanoleuca,**Ailurus**fulgens*, comparison study, bamboo resources, *Bashania**sapnostachya*,     energy flow analysis, food availability, population comparisons, Yele Natural Reserve, China.
 
**1999
 
Carter, J.; Ackleh, A.S.;     Leonard, B.P.; Wang, Hai Bin.**Giant panda (*Ailuropoda**melanoleuca*)     population dynamics and bamboo (subfamily Bambusoideae)     life history: a structured population approach to examining carrying capacity     when the prey aresemelparous.***Ecological Modelling.* 1999, 123(2-3): 207-223.ISSN:0304-3800     
NAL     call no:QH541.15.M3E25
Descriptors:*Ailuropoda**melanoleuca,* life history, population dynamics, biomass,     starvation concerns, mathematical models for carrying capacity of forage,     bamboos, natural resources, populations, implication for panda conservation,     bamboo die-offs, corridors to food supplies. 
 
Chen, Li Ding; Fu, Bo Jie     (ed.); Nakagoshi, N (ed.); Xiao, DuNing (ed.); Godron, M.**Application of landscape connectivity in habitat suitability evaluation     - case study in Wolong Nature****Reserve****,****Sichuan****,****China****.***The Principle and Application of Landscape     Ecology: Selected Papers from International Conference on Landscape Ecology     of**Asia**and Pacific     Region,**Shenyang**,**China**, 5-7 October 1998.* In*: Journal of Environmental Sciences*. 1999,     11(2): 221-226. 
NAL     call no:TA1.J6
Descriptors:*Ailuropoda**melanoleuca*, case studies, evaluation, Wolong Nature Reserve, nature conservation, survival requirements,     landscape, habitats, endangered species, GIS, geographical information systems,     China. 
 
Liu,     JianGuo; Ouyang, ZhiYun;     Taylor, W.W.; Groop, R.; Tan, Ying Chun; Zhang,     He Ming.**A framework for evaluating the effects of human factors on wildlife habitat:     the case of giant pandas.***Conservation Biology.* 1999, 13(6): 1360-1370.ISSN: 0888-8892. Note:In     English with a Spanish summary.**NAL     call no:QH75.A1C5
Descriptors:*Ailuropoda**melanoleuca,* evaluation, wildlife, case studies, Wolong Nature Reserve, nature conservation, endangered wild     animals, impacts of human activity, habitats, government policy, regional     policy, social policy, China. 
 
**1998
 
Angel,     Heather. *Pandas.*     Voyageur Press, Stillwater. 1998: 1-72. ISBN:0896583643 
Descriptors:     red panda, *Ailurus**fulgens*, giant     panda, *Ailuropoda**melanoleuca*,     life history, endangered species, behaviors, popular press, conservation,     China. 

**1997
 
Li, XinHai; Li, DianMo; Yong,     YanGe; Zhang, Jian.**[A preliminary analysis on population viability analysis for giant panda     in Foping.]*******Acta**ZoologicaSinica.* 1997 Sept; 43(3): 285-293.ISSN: 0001-7302. Note:In     Chinese with a Chinese and an English summary. 
NAL     call no:410 AC87
Descriptors:*Ailuropoda**melanoleuca,* population studies, relevance to conservation,     inbreeding concerns, outlook for long term survival in the wild, significance,     population viability analysis, Foping Reserve, China. 
 
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