24 Jul 2007 - Xi’an, China
– Giant panda habitat in the Qinling Mountains
in central China has been expanded, greatly
improving the protection of the endangered
species.
The Qinling Mountains, encompassing a total
area of 52,000km2, are home to about 200–300
pandas. However, rapid development and human
settlement in the area in recent years have
become major threats to the animal, which
has little connection to other panda populations.
According to a survey conducted by WWF and
China’s Shaanxi Forestry Department, extending
the panda’s habitat and “green” corridors
in Qinling — about 26km to the east, 39km
to the west, 4km to the south and north —
has helped reconnect fragmented populations
in the area.
A newly-planted corridor above the Qinling
Tunnel along National Road 108 has also contributed
to bridging panda populations.
“It's very encouraging that panda habitat
has improved in size and quality,” said Dermot
O'Gorman, WWF country representative in China.
“We hope the corridors can connect the panda
populations separated by the highway, free
the animal from human and traffic disturbance,
and bring new hope to the conservation of
wild giant pandas in Qinling.”
The survey was compiled from the results
of monitoring and patrolling activities in
19 panda nature reserves over ten counties
in the Qinling area.
With WWF’s support, local communities are
being encouraged to take part in the management
of nature reserves through the involvement
of anti-poaching patrols and sustainable community
development.
Zhao Jinna, Communications Coordinator
WWF China Xi’an Office
Tan Rui, Communications Officer
WWF China
