Are giant pandas only wild in Sichuan?

Not only in Sichuan. The protection of giant pandas in China has achieved certain results, and the number of wild giant pandas has increased steadily. The number of wild giant pandas in China increased by 268 compared with the third survey, and the average population density was 0.072 per square kilometer. Secondly, the habitat range of giant pandas has also been significantly expanded, increasing to 2.58 million hectares, distributed in Sichuan, Shaanxi and Gansu provinces 17 cities (states), 49 counties (cities, districts) and 196 townships, an increase of 4 counties compared with the third survey, and the habitat area has increased by1. In addition, the number of giant pandas in captivity in China has also increased to 375.

At the same time, panda protection has also developed. Compared with the third survey, there are 27 new protected areas in the distribution area of giant pandas, with an additional area of 1 1.8 million hectares. There are 67 protected areas with giant panda distribution and habitat distribution, with a total area of 3.36 million hectares. 66.8% of wild giant pandas and 53.8% of giant panda habitats have been included in the nature reserve network, and the protection rate of population and habitats has been continuously improved.

Lack of communication between giant pandas

However, Mr. Chen Fengxue, deputy director of the State Forestry Administration, said at the press conference that the survey results show that the contradiction between the protection of giant pandas and their habitats and the local economic and social development is very prominent, and the protection situation of giant pandas is still very grim.

Habitat fragmentation is still the main factor threatening the survival of giant pandas. Due to human disturbance and natural isolation, the giant panda habitat is very fragmented and divided into 33 patches, which invisibly turns the giant panda into 33 populations, thus posing a serious threat to the development and survival of giant pandas. According to the survey, there are currently 3 19 hydropower stations, 1339 kilometers of roads and 268.7 kilometers of high-voltage transmission lines in the giant panda habitat in China, all of which are human activities that aggravate habitat fragmentation.

There is also a lack of "communication" between "captive" giant pandas-insufficient gene communication between individuals will affect the genetic diversity of the whole captive population and weaken the population vitality. According to the State Forestry Administration, an "ecological corridor between patches" will be built for giant pandas in the future, and 33 plates will be connected within three to five years.