(WWF Beijing)-The latest "National Wildlife and Wetland Protection Work" shows that there are more than 1,59 giant pandas in China, an increase of more than 4% over the previous survey. This result comes from the "Third National Survey of Giant Panda and Its Habitat" which lasted for four years and was jointly conducted by the State Forestry Administration and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). The last national panda survey was conducted in the 198s, when it was estimated that there were about 1,1 wild pandas. Through comprehensive field work and the application of global positioning system, the third national panda survey is the most comprehensive and accurate survey so far. In addition to investigating the number and status of giant panda wild population, this survey also conducted a comprehensive investigation on the vegetation, disturbance, protection and management of giant panda habitat and potential habitat, the socio-economic situation of giant panda distribution area and the status of captive giant pandas.

Mr. James Harkenss, chief representative of WWF China Project, said, "The new figures don't mean that the number of giant pandas has really increased so much, but it is due to the application of new investigation methods that make accurate statistics in the field possible. Other findings beyond the quantity, such as the disturbance of habitats and the current situation of protection and management, will be more helpful to guide us to take more active and effective measures to protect this rare species in the next few years. "

The third national panda survey was officially launched in 2, with more than 17 members, overcoming the unimaginable hardships of ordinary people. The survey was conducted in 54 counties where giant pandas are distributed in Sichuan, Shaanxi and Gansu, and the survey of giant panda resources and the socio-economic survey of surrounding towns and villages were completed. Based on the results of this survey, WWF identified Minshan Mountain in Sichuan and Qinling Mountain in Shaanxi as key areas for giant panda protection. WWF will continue to carry out wildlife monitoring, anti-poaching and community projects by providing technical and financial support for nature reserves. In 23, Shaanxi Provincial Forestry Department cooperated with WWF to promote the establishment of the giant panda protection network in Qinling Mountains of Shaanxi Province. By the end of 23, China had established 4 giant panda protected areas, which was three times higher than the 13 protected areas in the 198s.

"We congratulate the China Municipal Government for its attention and investment in nature protection in the past two decades. While celebrating, we can't ignore some problems reflected in the survey. The unsustainable development mode, habitat fragmentation and human disturbance are still the main obstacles to the long-term survival of giant pandas. The implementation of several nature protection projects by China government, especially the natural forest protection project, has provided an unprecedented opportunity for restoring more giant panda habitats. This will enable giant pandas to thrive more freely. " Dr Susan Lay Biermann, director of WWF's Global Species Program, said.

Background information:

In 198, WWF, as the first environmental protection organization invited to China by the government of China, started the research and protection of giant pandas in Sichuan. In the past twenty years, he has been actively supporting and participating in the protection of giant pandas. The giant panda protection projects funded by WWF are mainly concentrated in Sichuan, Minshan Mountain in Gansu and Qinling Mountain in Shaanxi, including basic research, monitoring and patrol, reserve management, personnel training, Minshan Mountain project and Qinling Mountain protection and development project. These efforts are supported by WWF USA, Netherlands, UK, Germany, Finland and VODAFONE Group Foundation.