Giant panda born in captivity released into the wild
Print Edition
THE fifth giant panda born in China using artificial breeding methods was released into the wild yesterday, as part of conservation efforts to diversify the genetic pool of the endangered species.
Born at the Wolong Nature Reserve in southwest China’s Sichuan Province, the 2-year-old female Hua Jiao was released into the Lipingzi Nature Reserve after being given a clean bill of health on Wednesday by vets at the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda.
Prior to her release, an ID chip was implanted under her skin and she was fitted with a GPS collar, which will allow researchers to track her. Similar equipment was used to monitor Hua Jiao’s brother Tao Tao, who was released into the same reserve in 2012.
“Tao Tao is doing well, and we wish Hua Jiao the same luck,” said Huang Yan, head of the wilderness-training program.
Though the siblings are now in the same reserve, there is little chance of a family reunion as pandas are generally solitary animals, Huang said.
“In addition to the inevitable threats from natural enemies such as bears, leopards and wolves, our top concerns are that Hua Jia is accepted by the local wild panda group and breeds successfully,” he said.
Habitat loss has resulted in the separation of panda groups, the expert said, adding that China now has about 30 groups each with less than 50 bears.
As such, wild pandas have limited mating options and inbreeding is highly possible.
Hua Jiao was raised by her mother, who taught her basic skills, such as how to climb and how to avoid natural dangers.
The first giant panda to be born in captivity and released into the wild was Xiang Xiang in 2006. She survived only 10 months, however, after failing to compete with other animals for food and territory. The most recent release, Xue Xue, died just a month after being set free in October last year.
“We have taken lessons from Xue Xue’s case. Her parents were both bred in captivity and they lacked survival skills. [However, we believe] Hua Jiao, whose parents were both born and live in the wild, will do better,” Huang said.
Giant pandas are one of the world’s most endangered species, with fewer than 2,000 alive in the wild, mostly in the provinces of Sichuan and Shaanxi.
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