A victory for pandas
Great news ! Panda numbers have increased by 16.8% in the last ten years. It shows that conservation efforts are working. But how can we be sure the numbers are right?
Well, it's all thanks to China's latest survey of the bears and their habitat.
1 Yeaahhh !
© naturepl.com / Pete Oxford / WWF
Wild panda population is on the rise
The good news is that the survey estimates 1,864 pandas live in the wild. That’s a 16.8% increase since the last survey released in 2003.
How does this compare with past figures ? The first survey (1974-77) estimated there were 2,459 giant pandas in the wild. The second (1985-88) estimated 1,114. The third survey, published in 2004, estimated there were 1,596.
The latest rise in the estimate is particularly encouraging, as the 2004 increase was in large partly down to researchers using better techniques and surveying a wider area. The new figures show that the hard work of the Chinese government, local communities, nature reserve staff and WWF is paying off.
Baby panda and Mom caught on a WWF camera trap in the Sichuan Anzihe Nature Reserve.
2 Into the wild
© WWF-China
Watching wildlife through camera traps
Camera traps in China have captured images and video footage of giant pandas that are often difficult to see in the wild. The photographs and video are some of the most amazing images ever of pandas and other species in their remote habitat, which were caught on film as part of long-term wildlife monitoring projects set up in panda nature reserves by the Chinese government and WWF.
Camera traps are cameras encased in a secure housing with a motion or infrared sensor that is triggered by movement. WWF uses many types of models, depending on the location. Some models require field staff to regularly retrieve the images from the camera, others send images via email or MMS.
“These photos offer a fascinating glimpse into the lives of giant pandas, as well as other animals, which are difficult to see in the wild,” says Dr. Sybille Klenzendorf, managing director of WWF’s species program. “They demonstrate that by saving the iconic giant panda, we secure a vibrant future for other incredible wildlife, wild places and people – it’s the best kind of win-win proposition.”
The materials were captured from 2010 to 2014 by more than 470 infra-red camera traps set up in 29 nature reserves by WWF and its partners from the local forestry authority as part of the monitoring effort under the giant panda conservation program.
The multimedia materials are obtained under circumstances, where there was little external disturbance and therefore they truly reflect the conditions of those species in the wild.
- Night photo infrared light
- Day night sensor
- Menu Display
- Motion sensor
Camera trap footage of a Giant Panda scenting a tree is marking his territory to attract female pandas. © Anzihe Nature Reserve
Help save the panda
Giant pandas are found in a patchwork of more than 60 nature reserves in China. WWF’s focus was solely on panda conservation when we began our work in China in 1981. Our approach evolved with decades of monitoring and research. You can help by donating to our conservation work today.
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