Males roam more widely, visiting the core areas of females and subadults. Scent is the primary mode of communication for giant pandas. Both males and females have a large gland, which they rub against surfaces to leave scent marks. Wild pandas have been found to repeatedly mark trees located along well-traveled routes. Studies have revealed that each panda has its own unique scent, and that pandas can distinguish between the scents of individuals.
Olfactory cues are useful for long-distance communication.
Male giant pandas scent mark throughout the year. Adult pandas produce 11 distinct sounds. Newborn cubs produce a very loud squawk vocalization, which the cub uses to communicate its discomfort to its mother. For example, a mother may respond to this vocalization by repositioning the cub. Additionally, their vision is not acute, and they rarely come into direct contact with each other.