June 21, 2006 Scientists at Cardiff University, using a novel
method to estimate population, have found that there may be many
more giant pandas remaining in the wild than previously thought.
The giant panda is one of the world's most endangered and
elusive species. It is found only in a restricted mountainous
region in China with an unusual dietary dependence on bamboos
found only in these mountains. This elusive nature has shielded
important knowledge needed to save it from extinction, until
now. Understanding population trends for giant pandas has been a
major task for conservation authorities in China for the past
thirty years, during which time three national surveys were
carried out. The first two revealed alarming evidence of
declines numbers of giant pandas. However, the most recent
survey, carried out in 2002, showed the first evidence of a
recovery, thanks largely to protection measures taken by the
Chinese government including a network of natural reserves and
strictly enforced bans on poaching and