Sign of pandas returning to Jiuzhai Valley National Park
4th July 2012
Fresh panda scat has been discovered for the first time in ten years in China’s Jiuzhai Valley’s National Park, leading conservationists to believe the iconic bear may be returning to the park
Last week (25 June) fresh panda scat (or droppings) was uncovered in the park for the first time in ten years. Although staff are yet to spot the bear, they believe this may mark a return of the Giant Panda to the park, in China’s Sichuan province, for the first time in over a decade.
The scat was estimated to be two weeks old and is thought to be from an adult male panda.
In the 1980s panda numbers inside the park began to decline as a result of the Jiuzhai Valley’s bamboo flowering. Once flowered, the bamboo dies and takes between 12-22 years to re-grow. Without a source of food the pandas began to move away from the park and find new feeding grounds.
“Years ago there was a lot of panda activity in the park but since the bamboo died, the pandas disappeared. It is extremely unlikely for pandas to be spotted in the park, but the hope is that the new bamboo growth will attract new colonies. The fact that fresh panda poo has been discovered is very encouraging,” said a spokesperson for the national park.
Manuel Mascarenhas, managing director of Wendy Wu Tours – a UK tour operator which travels to the area – said: “The panda is a symbol of conservation efforts worldwide and the discovery of fresh panda scat is a very positive indicator that a new panda colony could form.”
Today marks the beginning of Panda Awareness Week, which aims to enhance awareness and support for panda conservation and protection for one of the world’s most endangered species. TV wildlife presenter Nigel Marven is a supporter of the campaign he spoke to Wanderlust about his work with China’s pandas. Take a look at the full interview here.
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