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• Holistic approach to panda conservation. • Dynamic adaptation strategies explored. • Advanced modeling techniques applied. • Innovative solutions proposed. Enhancing the regional connectivity, coordination, and integrity of Giant Panda National Park can protect giant pandas. The construction and optimization of the ecological security pattern in giant panda habitat can effectively promote the information exchange among giant panda populations of Giant Panda National Park in Ya'an area. Based on climate change, geographic location, human activities, and other factors, the Maxent model was used to evaluate the non-stability of giant panda habitat suitability, and the minimum cumulative resistance (MCR) model was used to construct the ecological security pattern. Based on the gravity model and relevant image verification analysis, we proposed an optimal solution to the ecological problem of giant panda corridor groups. From our research, good habitat suitability of giant pandas was detected, with a high degree of local fragmentation. The areas of the most suitable habitat, the more suitable habitat, and the generally suitability were 1970.12 km2, 2346.51 km2, and 1902.37 km2, respectively. Suitable habitat was located between 2100 m and 3400 m in elevation, with a less than 30° slope. The average temperature of the coldest season in the suitable area was around - 2 ∼ 2 °C, the precipitation of the wettest month was between 140 ∼ 160 mm, and the mean diurnal range was between 9 ∼ 14 °C. Valuation results for nonstationary factors beyond these ranges will not fall within the Habitat Suitability Zone. In total, 13 ecological sources, 13 ecological corridors, 6 ecological barrier points, and 4 ecological pinch points were identified and divided into 4 ecological corridor groups to locate and repair ecological problems, achieving the purpose of building and optimizing ecological security patterns. The integrated technical frame work proposed in this work, which combined the suitability evaluation, ecological safety pattern construction and ecological restoration, considered the nonstationary variations in factors and the actual species ranges. It also emphasized the importance of the relationship between the species' suitability and the ecological security pattern. The results of this work have important implications for examining the habitat modifications, gene exchange between giant panda populations, and habitat conservation of giant pandas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Toxoplasma gondii is a worldwide-distributed zoonotic protozoan parasite which causes toxoplasmosis and has a significant effect on public health. In the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca), toxoplasmosis can cause asymptomatic infections, reproductive disorder and even death, which poses a serious threat to the conservation of this rare protected species. Therefore, serological investigation of T. gondii is essential to understanding its risk to giant pandas, however, there are no specific testing kits for giant pandas. Previous research has used MAT as the reference method for screening T. gondii , to investigate this further, this study focused on the agreement comparing of MAT with ELISA and IHA tests for detecting T. gondii antibodies in 100 blood samples from 55 captive giant pandas in Chengdu, China. The results showed 87.0%, 87.0%, 84.0%, samples were sero-positive for T. gondii using ELISA (kits a, b, c), respectively, while MAT and IHA tests were 84.0% and 9.0% sero-positive, respectively. There was no significant difference between MAT and the three ELISA kits and these two methods had substantial agreement (0.61 < қ ≤ 0.80). Meanwhile, there was a significant difference (P < 0.001) between MAT and IHA, and these two methods had only a slight agreement (қ ≤ 0.20). The relative sensitivity of the ELISA (kits a, b, c) were 89.0%, 91.5% and 95.1%, and the specificity were 86.7%, 80.0% and 80.0%, respectively, which showed these three ELISA kits all had great accuracy. It is suggested that MAT is the recommended test method for primary screening T. gondii in giant pandas and then verified by ELISA. [Display omitted] • It's the first report to compare the agreement of the three test kits for detecting T. gondii antibodies in giant panda. • No significant difference and substantial agreement between MAT and ELISA, slight agreement, meanwhile, the contrary result between MAT and IHA. • The relative sensitivity of ELISA kits was 89%, 91.5% and 95.1%, and the specificity was 86.7%, 80% and 80%, respectively. • The two commonly used commercial MAT and ELISA kits tested were valuable tools for T. gondii diagnosis for giant panda. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The microbiome is a key source of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), significantly influenced by diet, which highlights the interconnectedness between diet, gut microbiome, and ARGs. Currently, our understanding is limited on the co-occurrence among gut microbiome, antibiotic resistome in the captive giant panda and the perturbation of dietary uptake, especially for the composition and forms in dietary nutrition. Here, a qPCR array with 384 primer sets and 16 S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing were used to characterize the antibiotic resistome and microbiomes in panda feces, dietary bamboo, and soil around the habitat. Diet nutrients containing organic and mineral substances in soluble and insoluble forms were also quantified. Organic and mineral components in water-unextractable fractions were 7.5 to 139 and 637 to 8695 times higher than those in water-extractable portions in bamboo and feces, respectively, while the latter contributed more to the variation (67.5 %) of gut microbiota. Streptococcus , Prevotellaceae , and Bacteroides were the dominant genera in giant pandas. The ARG patterns in panda guts showed higher diversity in old individuals but higher abundance in young ones, driven directly by the bacterial community change and mobile genetic element mediation and indirectly by dietary intervention. Our results suggest that dietary nutrition mainly accounts for the shift of gut microbiota, while bacterial community and mobile genetic elements influenced the variation of gut antibiotic resistome. [Display omitted] • Soluble nutrients had a greater effect on altering gut microbiota than insoluble forms. • Differing in high diversity of ARGs in old pandas, the young had more ARG abundance. • Shared 85 ARGs and 21 MGEs were identified in soil, bamboo, and giant panda guts. • Bacterial community and MGEs were stronger than diet in shaping ARG profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wildlife conservation is often challenged by a lack of knowledge about the reproduction biology and adaptability of endangered species. Although monitoring steroids and related molecules can increase this knowledge, the applicability of current techniques (e.g. immunoassays) is hampered by species-specific steroid metabolism and the requisite to avoid invasive sampling. This study presents a validated steroidomics method for the (un)targeted screening of a wide range of sex and stress steroids and related molecules in urine using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS). In total, 50 steroids (conjugated and non-conjugated androgens, estrogens, progestogens and glucocorticoids) and 6 prostaglandins could be uniquely detected. A total of 45 out of 56 compounds demonstrated a detection limit below 0.01 ng μL−1. Excellent linearity (R2 > 0.99), precision (CV < 20 %), and recovery (80–120 %) were observed for 46, 41, and 39 compounds, respectively. Untargeted screening of pooled giant panda and human samples yielded 9691 and 8366 features with CV < 30 %, from which 84.1 % and 83.0 %, respectively, also demonstrated excellent linearity (R2 > 0.90). The biological validity of the method was investigated on male and female giant panda urine (n = 20), as well as pooled human samples (n = 10). A total of 24 different steroids were detected with clear qualitative and quantitative differences between human and giant panda samples. Furthermore, expected differences were revealed between female giant panda samples from different reproductive phases. In contrast to traditional biomonitoring techniques, the developed steroidomics method was able to screen a wide range of compounds and provide information on the putative identities of metabolites potentially important for reproductive monitoring in giant pandas. These results illustrate the advancements steroidomics brings to the field of wildlife biomonitoring in the pursuit to better understand the biology of endangered species. [Display omitted] • A validated steroidomics method in urine using UHPLC-HRMS. • Method allows targeted and untargeted screening of steroids and related molecules. • Method validation revealed excellent linearity, precision and recovery. • Biological validity proven with giant panda and human urine samples. • Aimed to be applicable on different wildlife species for conservation research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the impacts of global warming on keystone species is fundamental to addressing the threat of climate change to biodiversity. Understory bamboo species play a crucial role in many forest ecosystems and provide food and shelter for numerous animals, including the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca). While previous studies projected that global warming would cause substantial shrinkage of bamboo distribution and threaten giant pandas, substantial uncertainties persist due to an incomplete understanding of the impacts of warmer temperatures on both the quantity and quality of bamboo as the food source for giant pandas. To address this research gap, we conducted the first field experiment in giant panda habitats to assess the impacts of warmer temperatures on the population dynamics and dietary quality of arrow bamboo, a main food source of giant pandas. We observed that warming generated a nonlinear impact on bamboo survival, with a potential warming threshold between 1.5 °C and 3 °C, beyond which warmer temperatures substantially reduced the survival rate of bamboo. Additionally, our plant content analysis showed that warmer temperatures lowered bamboo's nutritional value but enhanced its palatability as food for giant pandas. Furthermore, we found that warming could jeopardize the bamboo food supply for giant pandas by intensifying aphid infections in bamboo. These findings advanced the understanding of food web dynamics under global warming and provided crucial information for effective giant panda conservation planning in the face of climate change. • Warming generated a nonlinear impact on the survival of arrow bamboo. • Warming lowered bamboo's nutritional value but enhanced its palatability to pandas. • Warming jeopardized pandas' food supply by intensifying aphid infections in bamboo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sense of smell in animals enables them to detect and discriminate among many volatile odor molecules in complex environments. This task is accomplished by the family of G-proteins (olfactory receptor proteins, odorant-binding proteins, and chemosensory proteins). Here, we mechanistically elucidate how odors bind to odorant-binding proteins (OBPs) by studying the binding properties of 50 odorant ligands to six OBPs. We confirmed that OBP7 from Ailuropoda melanoleuca and OBP9 from Anopheles gambiae have binding affinities for 16 odors, and further analyzed the structures and protein-ligand interactions by homology modeling and molecular docking. This study found that OBP7 had an affinity for nonanol and camphor, and the docking results indicated that Glu120 was a residue that played a key role in the binding process of OBP7 to odorant ligands. We also explored the binding properties between OBP9 and ligands as well as the binding mechanism, and found that OBP9 bound well to some odorant molecules with repellent efficacy, such as nonanol, camphor, and citral. These findings not only contributed to our understanding of how OBPs were sensitively bound to odorant ligands but also promoted them as suitable targets for applied research in various industrial fields such as pesticides, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. • How odors bind to odorant-binding proteins needs to be elucidated. • Ailuropoda melanoleuca OBP7 displayed high bindings to cedrol and ionone. • Anopheles gambiae OBP9 binds to odorants with repellent properties. • These findings contribute to understanding how OBPs bind to odorant ligands. • The technique and molecules could be applied in various industrial fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines how perceived social equity (distributional equity, procedural equity, and recognitional equity) affects acceptance of protected areas by local communities. We also consider the consequences of these perceptions on the behaviour of local people in relation to biodiversity conservation. Despite increasing importance being given to social issues in protected area management, there is limited evidence about the effect of perceived equity on local support for conservation initiatives. Questionnaires (mostly face-to-face interviews) were undertaken with 426 households living in and around the Giant Panda National Park, which lies across the Sichuan, Shanxi and Gansu provinces of China. Structural equation modelling revealed that local residents with positive perceptions of procedural and distributional equity were more willing to support conservation and engage in conservation behaviours. Surprisingly, perceived recognitional equity had no effect on acceptance and negatively impacted conservation behaviour. This highlights that, although it is essential to promote recognitional equity, the complexities around this must be considered further. The context (e.g. age, education, village of residence) moderates the relationships between procedural equity, distributional equity and local acceptance. We suggest that, in order to achieve better park-people relationships, in addition to addressing equity concerns, it is also necessary to implement supplementary measures, such as community co-management and benefit sharing with host communities. • Procedural and distributional equity facilitate acceptance of protected areas. • Recognitional equity has an intricate relationship with local support. • Perceived justice tends to be non-linear in relation to local support. • The location of communities influences local pro-conservation behaviours. • There is a need for a better understanding of the equity-acceptance relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Extant giant pandas are divided into Sichuan and Qinling subspecies. The giant panda has many species-specific characteristics, including comparatively small organs for body size, small genitalia of male individuals, and low reproduction. Here, we report the most contiguous, high-quality chromosome-level genomes of two extant giant panda subspecies to date, with the first genome assembly of the Qinling subspecies. Compared with the previously assembled giant panda genomes based on short reads, our two assembled genomes increased contiguity over 200-fold at the contig level. Additional sequencing of 25 individuals dated the divergence of the Sichuan and Qinling subspecies into two distinct clusters from 10,000 to 12,000 years ago. Comparative genomic analyses identified the loss of regulatory elements in the dachshund family transcription factor 2 (DACH2) gene and specific changes in the synaptotagmin 6 (SYT6) gene, which may be responsible for the reduced fertility of the giant panda. Positive selection analysis between the two subspecies indicated that the reproduction-associated IQ motif containing D (IQCD) gene may at least partly explain the different reproduction rates of the two subspecies. Furthermore, several genes in the Hippo pathway exhibited signs of rapid evolution with giant panda-specific variants and divergent regulatory elements, which may contribute to the reduced inner organ sizes of the giant panda. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) are difficult to conceive and prone to abortion, humans have turned to artificial captive breeding to increase their population. Therefore, it is crucial for their reproduction to analyze their pregnancy status accurately and promptly in artificial captive breeding. To determine whether a giant panda is pregnant, with the current methods, experts must keep a close eye on them and frequently collect their urine or blood, which requires significant resources with a high misdiagnosis rate, and will adversely affect giant pandas' daily lives. Consequently, it is essential to rapidly advance the development of automated, precise methods that will not disrupt the pandas' lives to analyze giant pandas' behaviors and determine whether or not they are pregnant. In this paper, we propose an end-to-end intelligent system for predicting the pregnancy status of giant pandas and their Expected Date of Delivery (EDD). We first introduce expert knowledge to machine learning methods to solve this problem, which can significantly improve the accuracy of prediction. Experimental results show that this system achieves an accuracy of 91.5% for the pregnancy diagnosis and 0.579 days of mean average error for EDD prediction when the observation period is 5 days. Our automated system significantly reduces the need for human intervention, thus minimizing disruptions to the pandas' daily lives. It has the potential to contribute to the health and genetic diversity of the giant pandas, as well as aid in the panda's artificial reproduction and population growth. • An intelligent system automatically analyzes the pregnancy status of giant pandas. • Hierarchical behavior definition for acquiring comprehensive behavior description. • Effective pregnancy analysis model based on efficient channel attention mechanism. • Scalable sliding window mechanism to deal with insufficient data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Computing models are a good and effective way to study population dynamics of endangered species like giant pandas. Until now, a variety of computing models were proposed for giant pandas, but no survey on computing models for population dynamics of giant panda ecosystems has yet appeared in the specialised literature. It is necessary to provide an overview of the state-of-the-art of this topic so as to allow newcomers to the area to obtain a clear understanding of developments, key research problems, properties of computing models in this field, including those that are currently under way. This paper proposes a unified framework to clearly summarise the computing models used for studying the population dynamics of threatened species with respect to theoretical and application aspects and presents a comprehensive and systematic survey of the state-of-the-art computing models. This paper also introduces basic concepts of computing models, surveys their theoretical developments and applications, sketches the differences between various computing model variants, and compares the advantages and limitations of the models. Comparing with single-factor computing models and double-factor computing models, multi-factor computing models, especially multi-environment population dynamics P systems, are more suitable for investigating giant panda ecosystems, because the use of bottom-up way to consider evolutionary behaviours influencing giant pandas' population. • Computing models for population dynamics of giant pandas. • Unified framework of computing models for giant pandas. • Comprehensive and systematic survey of the state-of-the-art computing models. • Differences, advantages and limitations of computing models. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Davidia involucrata Baill. (dove tree) is unique Tertiary relic plant in China, also known as 'living fossil' and 'giant panda'. The MADS-box family gene SOC1 is involved in the regulatory pathway that integrates flowering signals to promote flowering at the optimal time. In this study, we isolated and identified two dove tree SOC1 homologues, named DiSOC1-a and DiSOC1-b. These two sequences possess highly conserved domains MADS-box and SOC1-motif, as well as the semi-conserved region K-box. DiSOC1-a and DiSOC1-b were expressed at varying levels in all tested tissues of dove tree and shared high levels of expression in the flower buds. The expression tendencies of both genes in bract were initially upward and then downward and were highest in young bracts. Neither DiSOC1-a nor DiSOC1-b was expressed in immature leaves. Proteins encoded by DiSOC1-a and DiSOC1-b were located in the nucleus. In addition, ectopic overexpression of both genes in WT Arabidopsis promoted early flowering and the growth of the main bolt. Taken together, these results suggest that DiSOC1-a and DiSOC1-b are involved in the flowering initiation and the main bolt growth process of dove tree. Our results provide a foundation for horticultural breeding to control flowering time of dove tree. • Two DiSOC1 genes DiSOC1-a and DiSOC1-b were isolated from Davidia involucrata Baill. • DiSOC1-a and DiSOC1-b were both highly expressed in flower buds and young bracts. • Overexpression of two DiSOC1s in Arabidopsis resulted in early flowering. • DiSOC1-a and DiSOC1-b may play key roles in promoting flowering initiation and the main bolt growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) is a rare species with a small global population size, and lives in the wild in only a few fragmented mountain ranges of Southwest China. Parasitic infections are among the important causes of death of giant pandas that hamper their group development. We reviewed the parasitic infections prevailing in giant pandas, and the parasitic diversity, diseases and their impact on conservation of this animal. A total of 35 parasitic species were documented in giant pandas, belonging to nematode (n = 6), trematode (n = 1), cestode (n = 2), protozoa (n = 9), and ectozoa (n = 17 (tick = 13, mite = 2, and flea = 2)). Among them, Baylisascaris schroederi had the highest prevalence and was the leading cause of death for giant pandas. Some parasites caused asymptomatic infections in giant pandas, and their health implications for the pandas remain unknown. As a whole, parasites are reported to be an important threat to the conservation of the giant pandas. Regular deworming and environmental disinfection appear to be effective ways to prevent captive giant pandas from parasitoses. In wild panda populations, parasitic control measures are suggested to include detailed examination of the ecology of the host-parasite assembly, with particular attention to density-dependent transmission. The parasitic pathogenesis and detection methods together with their biology, epidemiology, treatment, prevention and control need to be further studied for better protection of giant pandas from parasitoses. Image 1 • Giant pandas are threatened by many factors, including parasitic infections. • Thirty-five parasitic species are documented in giant pandas. • Baylisascaris schroederi is the most prevalent species and leading cause of death. • Parasitic infections adversely impact the health and conservation of giant pandas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, southern China, Quaternary mammalian assemblages, commonly known as " Stegodon - Ailuropoda fauna", are well documented in the central and southwest parts of the region. Unfortunately, our knowledge of Quaternary biogeographic variation in other areas of Guangxi is poor due to limited systematic investigations. Here, we report the faunal remains from the newly discovered Diaozhongyan ("DZY") cave site in northeast Guangxi. Our initial excavation in autumn 2016 resulted in the removal of 10 square meters of sediment and the discovery of 304 pieces of large mammal teeth. Biostratigraphic correlations indicate a late Middle Pleistocene age and in situ fossil teeth and calcites were Uranium-series dated to ~210 ka. The DZY faunal assemblage consists of many typical components of the traditional " Ailuropoda - Stegodon " fauna representative of southern China. Interestingly, giant pandas, identified as Ailuropoda melanoleuca baconi , are one of the dominant components of the DZY fauna (15% of the entire assemblage). However, giant pandas rarely dominate Quaternary faunal assemblages in southern China. In addition, fossil orangutan (Pongo weidenreichi), one of the most common species in central and south Guangxi during the Middle Pleistocene, is absent in DZY in northeast Guangxi. Further, fossil orangutans have not been reported from other sites in Hunan or Hubei province. We hypothesize that the Nanling Mountains served as a geographic barrier for this species. Fossil orangutans are present southwest of this biogeographic line, but are absent northeast of the line. This biogeographic boundary needs to be further evaluated with additional studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The terrestrial environment is significantly impacted by global warming. Uncertainty exists on how the Bashania faberi ecosystem, which contains the staple-food bamboo for giant pandas, respond to climate change. A two years OTC (open-top chamber) experiment was conducted in the Bashania faberi ecosystem to measure the impact of warming on soil properties and composition of bacterial community across four different warming levels in surface (0–10 cm) and subsurface (10–20 cm) soil. In 0–10 cm soil layer, warming had significant impact on nitrate nitrogen (NO 3 −-N). In 10–20 cm soil layer, warming significantly increased the soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), and soil carbon to phosphorus ratio (C/P), while reduced bacterial diversity and nitrification. The nitrate nitrogen concentration in surface soil first decreased and then increased with increasing temperature, whereas it exhibited the opposite trend in subsurface soil. Warming significantly reduced bacterial α diversity and nitrification function in the subsurface soil. pH, SOC, C/N, and C/P were the main factors affecting the bacterial community, according to redundancy analysis (RDA). Overall, our research revealed that warming altered soil properties and bacterial community, with subsurface soil being more strongly affected than surface soil in terms of these changes, which further impacted the Bashania faberi ecosystem functions. • Warming significantly increased SOC, TN and C:P in subsurface soil. • Warming reduced bacterial diversity in subsurface soil and altered community structure. • Warming weaken the nitrification function in subsurface soil. • Bacterial community was highly correlated with SOC, pH, C/N and C/P. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fatty acid (FA) composition of giant panda colostrum and the variation during lactation were determined. Of the 35 FAs detected in giant panda milk fat, the most abundant were oleic acid, palmitic acid and linoleic acid. There were 14 very long-chain and 5 short- and medium-chain FAs detected. The ratio of n-6 to n-3 FAs was 3.60–7.21. Hierarchical clustering analysis demonstrated there was an unusually slow transition from colostrum to mature milk, probably an adaptive strategy. The oleic acid/linoleic acid ratio was higher in colostrum than mature milk, which may benefit digestion. Most saturated FAs were more abundant in mature milk than colostrum. Arachidonic acid accounted for 48.49% of very long-chain polyunsaturated FAs in colostrum, which was 3.34 fold that in mature milk, and for docosahexaenoic acid, 2.75 fold. During the lactation, Spearman correlations within unsaturated and saturated FAs were generally positive; correlations between them were generally negative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Individual recognition of animals via infrared camera trapping surveys is an important method for protecting and monitoring animals in the wild. However, several factors limit current survey methods used for individual animal recognition, such as the lack of accuracy and extensive time required to process data. Recently, new technologies and methods for individual recognition of animal images have been developed for rare wildlife species (e.g., giant pandas and lemurs). These new technologies require adequate and high-quality sampled images; however, it can be challenging for researchers to obtain an adequate sample size of wildlife images from the field. To overcome this problem, we proposed and tested a new small-sample individual recognition method adapted from FaceNet called PandaFaceNet, using data from a self-built giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) facial image database. We tested the proposed giant panda individual recognition method on unknown captive and wild giant panda datasets. The results showed that this method has 95.3% recognition accuracy for distinguishing among two captive giant panda facial images and 91% recognition accuracy for distinguishing among two wild giant pandas. Notably, PandaFaceNet achieves individual recognition through comparing two images and is an open-set identification method. Therefore, PandaFaceNet provides a novel method for giant panda research by opening up opportunities for analysis of small sample sizes of panda imagery data, while also providing new directions for research on rare wildlife more broadly. • We modified the FaceNet network structure to make it more suitable for extracting the facial image features of giant pandas. • We have obtained and tested an appropriate similarity threshold to distinguish individual giant pandas. • Our method is able to recognize giant panda individuals that the PandaFaceNet network has not learned before. • Our method can be used to help researchers investigate and study wild giant pandas. • Our facial image dataset of giant pandas in captivity is useful for studying giant panda individual recognition methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Ecological process evolution model based on information entropy. • Model can unify cross sectional data, probability theory and predictability. • Calculation method for the comprehensive effect of multiple disturbances in a region. • Disturbances in the distribution area of pandas have north-south differences. Anthropogenic associated habitat fragmentation has had a profound impact on great panda populations and their geographical distribution. Quantifying how panda disturbances manifest temporally and to what extent spatially can be challenging to model given the complexity of data structures and predictor variables involved. To inform future panda protection efforts and research in conservation ecology, we adopted a new approach to modeling the spatial patterns of simultaneously occurring panda disturbances over time using a system evolution model. Based on the 3rd (1999–2003) and 4th (2011–2014) National Wild Giant Panda field surveys, we analyzed the development and spatial trends of local and regional habitat disturbances affecting panda populations in China. Between 1999 and 2014, human disturbances in Minshan and Xiaoxiangling decreased by 16.15% and 36.62%, respectively, while increasing trends of 7.59%, 0.89%, and 34.49% were observed in Qionglaishan, Daxiangling, and Liangshan respectively. Ecological protection measures have also increased in Minshan, Xiaoxiangling, and Liangshan by 4.10%, 19.01%, and 4.56%, respectively, whilst a reverse trend was identified in Qionglaishan (-3.52%) and Daxiangling (-8.09%). The regional imbalance of human disturbances in Minshan, Xiaoxiangling, and Liangshan increased by 46.36%, 33.59%, and 18.82%, respectively, whilst decreasing in Qionglaishan (-4.81%) and Daxiangling (-36.39). Our findings demonstrate the utility of information entropy theory in examining cross-sectional data of multiple disturbances affecting wildlife populations. Application of this method in the context of panda habitat fragmentation has helped identify unique temporal and spatial characteristics of human disturbances impacting panda habitats over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Dwarf bamboo overabundance simplified vegetation structure and caused giant panda habitat degradation. • Soil organic carbon, N and P stocks decreased with increasing degradation intensity. • Dwarf bamboo overabundance initiated a decrease in soil organic carbon, N and P stocks by influencing the litter quality. Although forest degradation caused by dwarf bamboo overabundance has a significant effect on the survival of wild giant pandas, the degradation process and its impact on soil C, N and P stocks remain unclear. By investigating the vegetation structure and physicochemical analysis of litter and soil, we explored the changes in soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), available nitrogen (AN), total phosphorus (TP) and available phosphorus (AP) stocks and the driving forces at three degradation levels triggered by dwarf bamboo overabundance in an important giant panda habitat—the subalpine coniferous forest. Dwarf bamboo overabundance following forest logging prevented tree regeneration, resulting in simplified a vegetation structure; even after 23 years of natural recovery, the clear-cut forestlands remained in the shrub stage, and the tree density and basal area were only 1.6% and 38%, respectively, of those in primary subalpine coniferous forest. With increasing degradation intensity, the litter stock and litter quality showed a decreasing trend, as did the SOC, N and P stocks in the litter layer and topsoil. The vegetation structure and litter quality together explained more than 90% of the variance in the C, N and P stocks (SOC: 97.3%, TN soil : 93.5%, AN soil : 96.2%, TP soil : 97.2% and AP soil : 97.0%), and litter quality had greater explanatory power than the vegetation structure. The SEM analysis results showed that the increase in dwarf bamboo density caused by the reduction in tree basal area affected the litter C/N and C/P ratios, and ultimately reduced the SOC, N soil and P soil stocks. This study highlights that dwarf bamboo overabundance not only causes forest degradation but also reduces the carbon sequestration function of giant panda habitat, leading to the loss of soil N and P. We suggest that reducing bamboo abundance can promote the recovery of the soil carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus stocks in degraded giant panda habitats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of climate change in the evolution and diversification of hominoids remains a hotly debated issue. Stable isotope analyses of fossil mammals that coexisted with the hominoids can provide insights into hominoid palaeoenvironments and shed light on this debate. Here, we report results of stable carbon and oxygen isotope analyses of tooth enamel samples from a variety of Pleistocene mammals including pandas, deer, elephants, pigs, rhinos, and bovids from two hominoid fossil localities (Yugong Cave and Baxian Cave) in South China. Enamel δ13C values indicate that most of the mammals living in the study area during the late Middle Pleistocene had C 3 -based diets but a small number of individuals consumed some C 4 grasses. This indicates the presence of C 4 plants in the region during the late Middle Pleistocene, most likely in patches of open areas in a predominantly forested environment. However, during the early Late Pleistocene, all of the mammals examined had C 3 -based diets, except one bovid and one panda that may have ingested small amounts of C 4 plants. This indicates a dense forested environment with little C 4 grasses during the early Late Pleistocene. Like the Early Pleistocene pygmy panda (Ailuropoda microta) from Yanliang Cave, the late Middle Pleistocene Ailuropoda baconi from Yugong Cave and the early Late Pleistocene Ailuropoda melanoleuca from Baxian Cave had higher mean diet-δ13C values than other co-occurring herbivores, indicating they preferred relatively open forest habitats and had more restricted diets compared to other mammals. The reconstructed mean paleo-meteoric water δ18O w values are lower than the annual average δ18O w value of modern precipitation in the region, suggesting that the climatic conditions during the times when these Pleistocene mammals were alive were colder and/or wetter than today. In addition, δ18O values of the obligate drinkers (pigs, rhinos, bovids) display an overall decreasing trend, accompanied by increased range of δ18O variations, from the Early Pleistocene to the early Late Pleistocene. This suggests that the regional climate became colder and/or wetter, with increased seasonality, from the Early Pleistocene to the early Late Pleistocene, likely related to intensified glaciation. The change in climate to colder conditions may be responsible for the extinction of the Gigantopithecus in this region. • δ13C and δ18O of enamel from Pleistocene mammals in S. China were analyzed. • C 4 grasses existed in a largely forested environment in the late Middle Pleistocene. • There were little C 4 grasses during the early Late Pleistocene. • The region had a wetter climate in Pleistocene than today. • Regional climate became colder and/or wetter from the Early to Late Pleistocene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) is one of the most endangered animals in the world and is recognized worldwide as a symbol for conservation. The Qinling subspecies of giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca qinlingensis) is highly endangered; fewer than 350 individuals still inhabit the Qinling Mountains. Last year, China announced the establishment of the first Giant Panda National Park (GPNP) with a goal of restoring and connecting fragmented habitats; the proposal ignored the environmental pollution caused by economic development in panda habitats. The spatial distribution of heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Hg, Cu, Zn, Mn, Cr, Ni and As) was analyzed in giant panda feces, soil, bamboo, and water in four of GPNP's functional areas at different altitudes and latitudes. Heavy metal pollution decreased with anthropogenic influences, from outside the park through the buffer and into the core area. Cu, Mn, Ni and Zn accumulated from natural sources; As, Hg and Cr were associated with fuel combustion; and Pb and Cd were associated with traffic and agriculture sources. The presence of heavy metals at high altitudes and latitudes in the proposed GPNP is due to emissions from Xi'an and other upwind industrial cities. We conclude that reducing emissions and heavy metal input should be included in the design of the GPNP. Policy interventions should consider functional zones planning, wind direction, reducing mining, and the abandonment of existing roads and farmland within the GPNP to reduce other direct human impacts on the Qinling panda. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • Heavy metals contents increased from core, buffer to environmental areas in Qinling. • Heavy metal distribution was correlated with altitude and latitude in Qinling. • Minimizing heavy metals emission is a long-term task for panda conservation. • Expanding core area and adherence to the basic principle of functional areas • Establishing pollutants monitoring and staple bamboo protection [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The IUCN Red List has downgraded several species from "endangered" to "vulnerable" that still have largely unknown extinction risks. We consider one of those downgraded species, the giant panda, a bamboo specialist. Massive bamboo flowering could be a natural disaster for giant pandas. Using scenario analysis, we explored possible impacts of the next bamboo flowering in the Qinling and Minshan Mountains that are home to most giant pandas. Our results showed that the Qinling Mountains could experience large-scale bamboo flowering leading to a high risk of widespread food shortages for the giant pandas by 2020. The Minshan Mountains could similarly experience a large-scale bamboo flowering with a high risk for giant pandas between 2020 and 2030 without suitable alternative habitat in the surrounding areas. These scenarios highlight thus-far unforeseen dangers of conserving giant pandas in a fragmented habitat. We recommend advance measures to protect giant panda from severe population crashes when flowering happens. This study also suggests the need to anticipate and manage long-term risks to other downgraded species. • Panda habitats in both mountains are at high risk of experiencing large-scale bamboo flowering in 2020. • Our scenarios highlight thus-far unforeseen dangers of conserving pandas in a fragmented habitat. • Our study suggests the need to anticipate and manage long-term risks to other species even after their downgrading. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Competition often occurs between two or more sympatric species that use similar ecological niches. During competition, a superior species may exclude the competitor from parts of its fundamental niche or make it go extinct. Determining the potential competition between two sympatric species including an endangered one has important implications for conservation management. We evaluated potential food competition between the wild boar and the giant panda in a key national nature reserve established primarily for the giant panda protection. We monitored foraging plots for 9 years, conducted food macronutrient analysis, and combined our analysis with long-term population monitoring results for two species. The wild boar population increased dramatically in the past 18 years, benefiting from conservation policies of the Chinese government, whereas the giant panda population decreased. We found evidence for competition for bamboo shoots, an important seasonally limiting resource. The wild boar had a higher utilization rate at foraging plots than giant panda, which also avoided plots used by wild boar. This study indicates key seasonal food competition may exist between wild boar and giant panda. This competition for a key food resource may have negative impacts on giant panda populations, particularly under the substantial increase of the wild boar, yet this possibility has not figured prominently in conservation planning and policy for panda reserves. We suggest long-term monitoring of this competitive relationship across reserves to determine when and where management intervention is needed. And, we might need more flexible policies instead of the current "one size fits all" one. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This study compares the effectiveness of the ultra-rapid and conventional freezing of sperm from captive bovids, giraffids, cervids, ursids, a cercopithecid, a delphinid and a phascolarctid. The relationship between sperm head dimensions and cryosurvival was also examined. Compared to conventional freezing, the ultra-rapid freezing of epididymal sperm from the dama gazelle, giraffe and brown bear returned higher cryoresistance ratios (CR, the ratio, in percentage, between the value of the variable after thawing/value before thawing) for sperm viability and motility. In the remaining species, the conventional freezing of epididymal sperm returned better CR values. The conventional freezing method also returned better CR values for ejaculated samples from all species. The head dimensions of both fresh epididymal and ejaculated sperm differed widely among species: for epididymal sperm, dolphin sperm heads were the smallest (7.189 ± 0.049 μm2) and dama gazelle sperm heads the largest (43.746 ± 0.291 μm2), while for ejaculated sperm, giant panda sperm heads were the smallest (15.926 ± 0.150 μm2) and mouflon sperm heads the largest (38.258 ± 0.104 μm2). However, no significant correlations were detected between the CR for motility, viability, membrane functional integrity or acrosome integrity and the sperm head area, either for epididymal or ejaculated sperm. In conclusion, ultra-rapid freezing is especially recommended for the cryopreservation of dama gazelle, giraffe and brown bear epididymal sperm. Sperm head dimensions appear not to be useful predictors of how well sperm might survive freezing. Highlights • The study compares the effectiveness of the ultra-rapid and conventional sperm freezing. • The sperm head dimensions differed widely among species. • Ultra-rapid freezing is recommended in dama gazelle, giraffe, brown bear epididymal sperm. • Sperm head dimensions appear not to be useful as predictors of cryosurvival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract As certain extreme weather events are becoming frequent and intense, conservationists must identify areas across species' ranges recurrently affected, especially with regard to threatened species. Focusing on the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) and historical flood frequency distribution, we determined overlaps between panda distribution affected by floods and nature reserves. We also examined the correspondence between areas subject to high flood exposure densities, areas with high panda habitat use, and areas that exhibit high human density. Of the 67 reserves established for giant panda conservation 7 included areas with the highest flood exposure densities while having a mean exposure ranging between 20 and 75%. In Sichuan province up to 32% of areas of high habitat use were subject to low flood density, and 10% overlapped with areas subject to high flood density. We also found that 40% of the total area with high human density was subject to a high flood density. Our findings indicate that high frequency of flooding is affecting areas of nature reserves where people are rather than areas which pandas are using more intensively. In areas occupied by pandas, strategies should remain focus on mitigating habitat degradation and fragmentation caused by human activities that can also reduce habitat resilience to floods. Management aimed at reducing vulnerability and enhancing resilience in flood-prone areas is warranted if we are to prevent negative indirect impacts on panda habitat driven by human responses to increasingly frequent and intense extreme weather events in the coming decades. Highlights • Areas inside giant panda nature reserves are highly exposed to floods. • Frequent flooding is affecting areas with people rather than areas used by pandas. • Building resilience is crutial for preventing additional pressures on panda habitat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Relationship of bamboo growth status and woody plants was studied in a panda habitat. • Bamboo clump number and bamboo height were used to represent bamboo growth status. • Bamboo height had a significant linear relationship with some woody plant variables. • Bamboo height was negatively correlated with numbers of tree and regeneration. • Most plots containing giant panda trace were distributed in plots with taller bamboo. Abstract To detect the relationship between bamboo growth status and woody plants in a giant panda habitat, we carried out a field survey in the Wanglang Nature Reserve, Sichuan Province, China. We used bamboo clump number and bamboo height to describe the growth status of bamboo. We found bamboo height was positively correlated with tree species richness, and significantly negatively correlated with tree individual number and regeneration individual number. According to the relationship between bamboo height and these woody plant variables, suitable habitat for bamboo can be summarized as having a mean tree species richness of 10, a mean of 58 individual trees, and a mean of 28 individual regeneration. Furthermore, most plots where have trace of giant panda were distributed in the plots with taller bamboo, suggesting that bamboo height may be a potential indicator of habitat use by pandas. Based on these results, we concluded that bamboo clump number and bamboo height can be used as indices to represent bamboo growth status, that tree species richness, tree individual number and regeneration individual number can be used to explain bamboo height. These findings provide basic information for understanding the assembly mechanisms of plant communities in giant panda habitat and restoration practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Small features in ecological systems are often underrepresented in conservation monitoring, management and policy. Tree cavities and other forms of refuge play disproportionately large ecological roles due to their importance for shelter and rearing vulnerable offspring. Giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) cubs are highly altricial, and dependent on dens. In Fengtongzai—a reserve with cavity-containing old growth forest—we measured 19 structural and microhabitat variables in potential tree dens. We also established data loggers in rock cavities in Foping Nature Reserve (which due to logging does not contain old growth) and tree cavities in Fengtongzai to monitor temperature and humidity inside and outside dens to evaluate microclimatic buffering. Fengtongzai pandas selected tree dens that were better concealed, with large interiors and entrances but smaller entrance to interior ratios. Microclimate inside dens differed dramatically from ambient conditions outside: in cold weather dens were warmer, in hot weather dens were cooler, dens were less humid and dens had more stable microclimates. Dens used by maternal pandas were warmer, drier and less variable than tree and rock cavities that were not used. Tree dens showed better capacity to buffer against extremes of temperature and humidity than did cave dens. Our findings have important conservation implications, including the value of den sites and the need for better monitoring and management. Specifically, management practices that preserve large old trees may increase carrying capacity and any experimentation with artificial dens as a conservation intervention should reference our findings on structural and microclimatic characteristics of preferred den sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Nature reserves (NRs) significantly reduce the net income of households within them. • NRs aggravate income inequality in local communities. • Ecotourism can reduce poverty but increases income inequality, especially for households within NRs. • We find that NRs with ecotourism can have a positive effect on local livelihood but aggravate income inequality. Abstract The impacts of nature reserves (NRs) and ecotourism on local economies are considered controversial. By surveying households residing inside and outside of six giant panda NRs in the Qinling Mountains from 2015 to 2017, this study evaluates the impacts of NRs and ecotourism on the poverty and income inequality of local communities in China. Our results suggest that the local communities of NRs show higher poverty and lower income levels compared to the national average. NRs significantly reduced the net income of households residing within the NRs, and most of these reductions are caused by converting cropland to conservation land. NRs also aggravated the income inequality of local communities, and the level of inequality inside NRs was significantly higher than that outside. In terms of the impacts from ecotourism, ecotourism can reduce poverty, but it increases income inequality, especially for those households residing within NRs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Biodiversity and ecosystem services are two main focuses in conservation planning. Considering both biodiversity and ecosystem services is beneficial when designing protected area networks. We demonstrated the relationship between these two concepts using the giant panda in China as a case study. We assessed the spatial relationship between giant panda habitat suitability and three key ecosystem services including carbon sequestration, water retention, and soil retention. We conducted spatial correlation and then used MARXAN to propose areas to target for new protected areas in the future that consider both goals. Results showed that the habitat suitability was positively correlated with ecosystem services in the entire study area. Panda habitats covered 77.7%, 72.0%, and 66.6% of carbon sequestration, water retention, and soil retention supplies, respectively. However, in nature reserves, which encompassed 31.0% of the whole study area and contained 33.6% of panda habitat, there was only 26.1–29.7% coverage of all ecosystem services. This result implied that nature reserves represented panda habitats well but did not adequately represent the three key ecosystem services. We identified conservation priority areas combining both panda habitat and ecosystem services and then proposed new protected areas. Our results inform conservation policies such as giant panda national park planning in this region. Our study also has implications for the role of protected area systems in the conservation of both flagship species and key ecosystem services in other places. Highlights • Panda habitat suitability was positively correlated with key ecosystem services. • Protected areas represented panda habitats well but poorly for ecosystem services. • We propose new protected areas for both panda habitat and ecosystem services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the continuous development of metagenomics has revealed that in addition to the digestive tract, some viruses are also common in mammalian blood. To explore and monitor potential novel viruses, in April 2015, a blood sample was collected from a healthy captive giant panda at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in Sichuan Province, China. The genomes of 25 different anelloviruses containing the complete ORF1 region have been identified. The BLASTp results showed that the amino acid sequence identity of these viruses with the best match in GenBank ranged from 27.15% to 41.29%. Based on phylogenetic analysis and SDT (Species Demarcation Tool) analysis of the complete ORF1 regions of these 25 viruses, these sequences were deduced to represent one or several novel virus genera or species. This virological study has increased our understanding of the diversity of anelloviruses in the blood of giant pandas, but further laboratory analysis is needed to verify its possible pathogenicity. • Metagenomics reveals viruses in healthy mammalian blood, including giant pandas. • Blood from captive pandas discovered 25 anelloviruses, suggesting new virus possibilities through phylogenetic analysis. • Phylogenetic analysis suggests that these viruses may represent one or several novel virus genera or species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The disturbance of wildlife habitats by human activities has become an important driving force in the evolution of ecological landscapes. However, human disturbances in panda habitats are highly diverse and complex. To study the changes in the temporal and spatial dynamics of human disturbances affecting panda populations, an analysis model for the evolution of human interference was designed using information entropy and statistical methods. Based on data from the third and fourth National Wild Giant Panda surveys in China, we analyzed the developmental trend, spatial distribution, and characteristics of the current state and regional distribution of human disturbances affecting panda populations. The results showed that shoot gathering, farming, and tourism were key local distribution factors, whereas hunting, road infrastructure, and logging had a more widespread impact on panda habitat. Livestock and herb gatherings, however, showed no clear distribution patterns. The influence of the main disturbance factors (logging, livestock, road infrastructure, and shoot gathering) tended to increase over time, whereas the development of the relative strength and weakness of the disturbances showed an evolutionary trend. Although logging, livestock, shoot gathering, and road infrastructure have historically been the main panda habitat disturbances, the impact of logging and shoot gathering has been diminishing over time, with road infrastructure emerging as the leading disturbance factor. Farming has shaped the distribution area of giant panda habitats over the past several hundred years. Additionally, logging has caused current fragmentation patterns for several decades. Moreover, it is estimated that road infrastructure will have a broad and profound impact in the coming decades. Our results indicate that the information entropy theory can be effectively used to analyze the temporal and spatial characteristics of human disturbances that affect wildlife. Our findings will provide a basis for ecological policies that aid the preservation of threatened panda populations and guide future research on habitat disturbance. • A model for analyzing disturbances was designed using information entropy and statistical methods. • The states, development trends, and progression of human disturbances can be quantified. • Road will have important ecological impact on panda habitat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reproductive capacity of captive giant pandas is poor and sperm cryopreservation is necessary for the reproduction and conservation of this species. Cryopreservation, however, leads to a significant decrease in sperm quality, including sperm motility, acrosome integrity and DNA integrity. In the present study, a method was developed based on colloid single layer centrifugation that could significantly improve frozen-thawed sperm quality. Two colloids were compared for post-thaw giant panda sperm preparation; the sperm samples had greater total motility (Colloid 1: 44.5 ± 16.0%, Colloid 2: 42.4 ± 10.1% compared with Control: 25.4 ± 8.4%, P < 0.05), linear velocity (Colloid 1: 17.2 ± 8.3 μm/s; Colloid 2: 19.0 ± 9.0 μm/s compared with Control: 6.6 ± 1.7 μm/s, P < 0.05) and membrane integrity (Colloid: 46.9 ± 13.2%; Colloid 2: 54.3 ± 5.7% compared with Control: 36.0 ± 9.1%; P < 0.05). This method could be a useful tool to enable the use of poor quality sperm samples and benefit this population by using available genetic material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Species distribution models (SDMs) are widely used for predicting species' spatial distributions. Different model setup and data input however can lead to variable model predictions. Existing studies on quantifying SDM dissimilarity primarily rely on partitioning the variability in SDM-produced community level metrics such as species richness and turnover rate which are threshold-dependent and are generated with binary range maps of multiple species. Most existing measurements of spatial dissimilarity constitute geometric comparisons, which is limited compared to a more information-theoretic application of statistical dissimilarity measures using SDM predictions as direct input without renormalization. We introduce a novel method to quantify the degree of dissimilarity and its level of significance between unscaled SDM predictions of a single species. We apply the method to giant panda Ailuropoda melanoleuca data as well as pairs of simulated species distributions. We utilize a pixel-based Bhattacharyya distance to quantify the degree of dissimilarity among predictions of giant panda habitat of different combinations of model types, Global Climate Models (GCMs) and Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs). Comparisons are also made between pairs of simulated species with different degrees of dissimilarity in spatial distribution. To evaluate the level of significance, the observed dissimilarity measure is compared against a null distribution that captures the level of dissimilarity caused by small and random variations. Specific pairs of climate scenarios (HadGEM2-ES with HadGEM2-AO and HadGEM2-AO with MIROC5) consistently produce statistically similar predictions of giant panda habitat; the highest level of RCP tends to result in more similar predictions, suggesting a convergence of model predictions. The simulated scenarios also show that the proposed method is able to effectively differentiate a range of artificial species with varying degree of dissimilarity in their resource selection preference. Our method can also reflect the dissimilarity that cannot be quantified by traditional metrics that rely on geometric comparisons. The proposed method supplements existing studies by utilizing a novel application of statistical comparisons to measure dissimilarity between user-defined pairs of models. It provides a robust way to construct the null distribution of dissimilarity that contrasts the degree of the observed dissimilarity with the intrinsic model variability. Our study provides useful insight to facilitate building more computationally efficient and robust ensemble SDMs, and it lends a practical tool to help understand the processes that contribute to prediction variability among SDMs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Data on numbers and distribution of free-ranging giant panda are essential to the formulation of effective conservation strategies. There is still no ideal method to identify individuals and sex this species. The traditional bite-size method using bamboo fragments in their feces lacks accuracy. The modern DNA-based estimation is expensive and demands fresh samples. The lack of identifiable individual features on panda pelage and no apparent sexual dimorphism impede reliable estimation from camera trap images. Here, we propose an innovative and non-invasive technique to identify and sex this species using a footprint identification technique (FIT). It is based on a pairwise comparison of trails (unbroken series of footprints) using discriminant analysis, with a Ward's clustering method. We collected footprints from 30 captive animals to train our algorithm and used another 11 animals for model validation. The accuracy for individual identification was > 90% for individuals with more than six footprints and 89% with fewer footprints per trail. The accuracy for sex discrimination was about 84% using a single footprint and 91% using trails. This cost-effective method provides a promising future for monitoring wild panda populations and understanding their dynamics and especially useful for monitoring reintroduced animals after the detachment of GPS collars. The data collection protocol is straightforward and accessible to citizen scientists and conservation professionals alike. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reintroduction is an important approach in the conservation of endangered species and in recent decades a number of reintroduction programs have been conducted for conservation purposes. Generally, the success rate of reintroduction is low, but long-term monitoring of most reintroduction programs remains uncommon and this may influence the evaluation of reintroduction. The giant panda is a flagship species of biodiversity conservation. The Chinese government runs a giant panda reintroduction program and here we present reintroduction monitoring data from 2009 to 2015 for three giant pandas released into a small isolated wild population in western Sichuan, China. The results indicate that all three giant pandas display similar activity patterns to wild giant pandas, however, the wild-caught female demonstrated better adaptive ability to the wild environment than the two captive-born individuals in that she established a stable home range in the quickest time and gave birth to a cub. Genetic analysis indicates that new genetic material has been introduced into the local population. Our study provides the latest update on the giant panda introduction program and indicates that it is progressing well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The total arsenic concentration and the arsenic speciation in urine and feces samples of the two Giant Pandas living at Vienna zoo and of their feed, bamboo, were determined with ICPMS and HPLC-ICPMS. Urine was the main excretion route and accounted for around 90% of the ingested arsenic. The urinary arsenic concentrations were very high, namely up to 179 μg/L. Dimethylarsinic acid (DMA) was the dominating arsenic compound in the urine samples and ranged from 73 to 92% of the total arsenic, which is unusually high for a terrestrial mammal. The feces samples contained around 70% inorganic arsenic and 30% DMA. The arsenic concentrations in the bamboo samples were between 16 and 920 μg/kg dry mass. The main arsenic species in the bamboo extracts was inorganic arsenic. This indicates that the Giant Panda possesses a unique way of very efficiently methylating and excreting the provided inorganic arsenic. This could be essential for the survival of the animal in its natural habitat, because parts of this area are contaminated with arsenic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rich fossiliferous locality of Rudabánya (Hungary) is dated to the Vallesian (late Miocene, MN 9). It contains several taxa of the order Carnivora. The aim of the present paper is to describe remains belonging to a new genus and species of Ursidae, Miomaci panonnicum . It is represented by upper and lower teeth which are compared to other Miocene ursids. Miomaci nov. gen. is most similar to Indarctos and is attributed to the tribe Indarctini within the sub-family of the Giant Panda, Ailuropodinae. Study of the dental micro-wear, despite the small sample size, shows that its diet was composed by tough food with shearing and less crushing mastication, indicating ecological similarities with the Giant Panda. Its habitat was probably a lakeshore with abundant herbaceous monocots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China has implemented forest policies and expanded protected areas to halt deforestation and protect giant panda habitats. These policies simultaneously encouraged local communities to raise livestock that then freely range in forests. This grazing had unintended consequences. As an alternative livelihood, it has become the most prevalent human disturbance across the panda's range. How do free-ranging livestock impact giant panda habitats and what are the implications for future conservation and policy on a larger scale? We use Wanglang National Nature Reserve as a case study. It has seen a nine-fold livestock increase during past 15 years. We combined bamboo survey plots, GPS collar tracking, long-term monitoring, and species distribution modelling incorporating species interaction to understand the impacts across spatial and temporal scales. Our results showed that livestock, especially horses, lead to a significant reduction of bamboo biomass and regeneration. The most intensively used areas by livestock are in the valleys, which are also the areas that pandas prefer. Adding livestock presence to predictive models of the giant panda's distribution yielded a higher accuracy and suggested livestock reduce panda habitat by 34%. Pandas were driven out of the areas intensively used by livestock. We recommend the nature reserve carefully implement a livestock ban and prioritise removing horses because they cause the greater harm. To give up livestock, local communities prefer long-term subsidies or jobs to a one-time payment. Thus, we recommend the government provide payments for ecosystem services that create jobs in forest stewardship or tourism while reducing the number of domestic animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conservation breeding programs require active management and thus selection among various management alternatives is a common practice. As in the practice of adaptive management used in ecology, it is important to reduce uncertainty about the outcomes of various management actions. Ideally this evaluation will be done using a priori hypothesis testing, but retrospective analyses can provide important insights as to which methods work better than others. The giant panda ( Ailuropoda melanoleuca ) conservation breeding program has a long history of active management and therefore is rich in potential lessons learned for panda and other endangered species breeding programs. Now self-sustaining and experiencing exponential growth, the panda population also provides sample sizes large enough to support rigorous statistical evaluation. A fundamental decision for any breeding program is whether to invest in development and application of assisted reproduction techniques or to promote natural mating. Here we analyze 21 years (1996–2016) of giant panda reproductive data from 304 insemination events to determine relative success rates of insemination methods and evaluate management strategies. The birth rate after natural mating was 60.7%, 50.6% for combined natural mating and artificial insemination techniques, and 18.5% for artificial insemination (AI). Within the combined insemination technique group, 81.8% of births could be attributed to the natural mating event with only 18.2% attributed to AI. These results suggest that while techniques for improving AI should continue to be explored and will play an important role for some conservation applications, behavioral and biological management to encourage natural mating should be the most important goal for conservation breeding of this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the debates about whether Protected Areas (PAs) exacerbate local poverty or might contribute to poverty alleviation, there is a critical need for evidence to examine the impacts. In this study, we have conducted a household investigation of 560 rural households in 7 PAs of Sichuan province of China. We used matching method to value impacts of PAs on local livelihoods. The results showed that compared to the Average Treatment Effect, the results of traditional regression model exaggerate the negative impacts of the PAs. However, we should notice that the overall impact of PAs on local household wealth was still negative. Households inside the PAs had more Non-timber Forest Products gathering income and compensation, but fewer crop production income and forestry income. Better conservation policies need to be initiated to realize the harmonious and concurrent development of ecological objectives and livelihood objectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Disturbance by free-ranging livestock dramatically degraded the understory layer in giant panda habitat. • Livestock grazing on bamboo lessened its competitive effect on moss. • Moss height rapidly declined under livestock trampling, but not significantly inside bamboo clumps, suggesting shelter effects of bamboo on moss from livestock disturbance. • No recovery of bamboo and moss layer after two years of livestock exclusion. • Artificial bamboo and moss planting were necessary in severely degraded areas to restore giant panda habitat. Free-ranging livestock are common in reserves established for giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca), which rely almost exclusively on bamboo in the montane forests of southwestern China. Previous studies have showed that overgrazing by livestock had led to a reduction in bamboo abundance. However, there is limited knowledge of how livestock impact the structure of the understory vegetation. Conducted in the Wanglang National Nature Reserve with a livestock exclosure experiment, our study aimed to fill this gap by examining the impact of livestock grazing on two important elements of forest understory bamboo and moss in giant panda habitat, and quantifying their recovery after excluding livestock. Measurements of bamboo and moss showed that both elements were severely degraded. With a closer examination, we found moss growth was worse in areas with dense bamboo or no bamboo at all, but better when there were many dead stems in bamboo clump, suggesting bamboo exerted both negative competition and positive shelter effects from livestock trampling on moss. Livestock exclusion with fence indeed exempted bamboo and moss from continuous damage which were exemplified by more bamboo shoots inside the fence and significantly decreased moss height outside the fence. However, we observed no recovery of damaged bamboo and moss inside fenced quadrats in two years. Neither the sprouted bamboo shoots matured into stems after the growing season, nor the height of moss increased. Collectively, our results suggested that long-term livestock grazing drastically altered understory layer of bamboo and moss and interactions in between, and there was hardly recovery of the understory bamboo and moss in a short term. Therefore, we recommend artificial intervention with bamboo and moss planting in severely degraded areas and long-term monitoring of understory vegetation to restore the habitat of giant panda. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human–wildlife conflict is a major cause of losses resulting from the establishment of protected areas, most of which are borne by the communities within these areas. It is therefore important to establish a compensation system for such losses. This study measures the total costs of human-wildlife conflict by surveying communities within and surrounding China's Giant Panda National Park. The results show that the primary visible costs from human–wildlife conflict, which include crop loss, livestock depredation, property damage, and human fatalities and injury, were 2185.6 Yuan ($316.9) per household. Approximately 64.9% of households were affected by this conflict in 2020. For each affected household, the average visible costs per capita was 952.6 Yuan ($138.1) or 7.2% of per capita net income. When converting well-being losses caused by human-wildlife conflict into economic costs, we consider visible costs and hidden costs (e.g., transaction, opportunity, and health costs). This study shows that human–wildlife conflict reduced per capita net income by 15.3% and significantly affected household well-being. The average cost of the well-being loss caused by human-wildlife conflict was 38.5 % of per capita net income. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Informed zoning of protected areas to designate where certain activities can take place is important to their success. The conventional strategy has been to design protected areas based on flagship species; however, this has often proven ineffective for protecting other sympatric wildlife. Here, using China's Giant Panda National Park (GPNP) as an example, we evaluated the effectiveness of integrating multiple conservation parameters for flagship and sympatric endangered species to optimize zoning designations, without compromising or jeopardizing the primary goal of protecting giant pandas. We conducted a stepwise spatial prioritization according to taxonomic, phylogenetic, and functional diversity for 48 endangered bird and 23 mammal species. Conservation priority areas for each taxon were spatially congruent across diversity indices but differed between taxa. Species richness provided only a weak indicator of conservation values. The current designation scheme for giant panda protection performs moderately well in terms of sheltering sympatric endangered birds and mammals, but there is still scope for improvement. After balancing competing land uses, we identified 7731 km2 with the highest conservation values across taxa and diversity indices, with 26 % of this optimal priority area lying outside of current core protection zones of the GPNP. We recommend that GPNP's current zoning designation criteria are modified to conserve a broader range of species alongside giant pandas, especially to better protect sites from human disturbance. Our findings also have the broader potential to inform conservation planning for protected areas worldwide, enabling the protection of flagship species to be integrated with broader regional biodiversity conservation. • Priority areas are congruent across diversity indices but differ between taxa in GPNP. • Panda habitats provide more satisfactory protection for mammals than birds. • Optimal priority areas largely lie outside of strict management zones of GPNP. • Zoning designations integrating multiple conservation facets improve PAs' efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The habitat area of the giant panda and the number of wild populations have increased significantly over the past decade, while habitat fragmentation and survival crisis of local populations have become more serious. To assess the current survival status of the giant panda, we analyzed the Third and Fourth National Panda Survey data using trend line analysis, moving T-test, and catastrophe theory. The catastrophe potential function and the cusp catastrophe model were constructed to analyze the ecosystem stability. The results showed that over the past decade, each single index, such as habitat area or population size, increased, and the discreteness of local population size and habitat patch area improved. However, no substantial improvement was identified in discreteness, whereas ecosystem stability was weakened by severe habitat fragmentation and population isolation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information on wildlife habitat distribution and change is crucial for the design and evaluation of conservation efforts. While habitat distribution has been evaluated for many species, information on habitat change is often unclear, particularly across entire geographic ranges. Here we use the iconic giant panda ( Ailuropoda melanoleuca ) as a model species and present an advanced approach to evaluate its habitat change across an entire geographic range through the integration of time-series satellite imagery and field data. Our results show that despite a few areas showing habitat degradation, both the overall habitat suitability and habitat area increased between the early 2000s and the early 2010s. Our results also indicate that conservation efforts in China have achieved success beyond the boundaries of nature reserves, since panda habitat outside nature reserves shows a higher proportional growth than inside the reserves. Despite these promising trends, we found habitat fragmentation remains a threat to the species' long-term survival. These results provide valuable information to assess the appropriateness of recent decision by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) that down-listed the giant panda from endangered to vulnerable species, while laying a good foundation for the design of future conservation efforts. The approach described here may also be easily implemented for evaluating range-wide habitat change for many other species around the world and thus help achieve biodiversity conservation objectives such as those set by the Aichi Biodiversity Targets and the Sustainable Development Goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate warming is increasing the risks of extinction for many species. Giant panda is one of the most vulnerable mammals to climate warming due to its small population size and specialized diet of bamboo. Many studies have quantified projected habitat loss based on climate-change scenarios, but few have employed empirical data to investigate how the thermal habitat of giant panda has changed. In this study, we investigated the frequency, duration, and intensity of potential heat stress (PHS) occurrence that could surpass the biological threshold of giant panda by analyzing daily temperatures throughout the distribution range of giant panda from 1960 to 2010 and giant panda population survey data. We found an increase in the frequency of PHS25 (PHS above threshold of 25 °C) occurrence at a rate of 1.1–5.5 days/decade. The start date of PHS25 occurrence advanced at a rate of − 1.2 to − 4.6 days/decade, while the end date of PHS25 occurrence was delayed at a rate of 0.8–3.0 days/decade. The giant panda habitat is being exposed to an increased PHS occurrence. The area within reserves and densely populated giant panda habitat exposed to PHS occurrence expanded by 32–317% and 38–218%, respectively from the 1960s to the 2000s. Furthermore, PHS occurrence is intensifying; the annual accumulated degree-days of PHS25 and PHS30 occurrence (PHS above threshold of 30 °C) within the reserves increased by 39% and 140%, respectively. These results confirm that the potential threats to giant panda from climate warming are intensifying. It is urgent to expand the extent and range of giant panda habitat to allow giant pandas to move across landscapes in the face of ongoing climate warming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Qinling subspecies of giant panda ( Ailuropoda melanoleuca qinlingensis ), is highly endangered; fewer than 350 individuals still inhabit Qinling Mountains. Previous research revealed captive pandas were exposed to bromine, so we hypothesized that captive pandas were exposed to and affected by polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). To test this hypothesis, we tested blood and feces of captive and wild pandas, their drinking water, food (bamboo leaves) from SWARC (Shaanxi Wild Animal Research Center)and FNNR (Foping National Nature Reserve) and supplemental feedstuff given to captive panda at SWARC. We found 13 congeners of PBDEs in fecal samples, of which BDE47, BDE66, BDE71, BDE99, and BDE154 were the dominant, total PBDE concentration in feces of captive pandas was 255% higher than in wild pandas. We found nine PBDEs congeners in blood samples: BDE153 and BDE183 were the predominant congers. PBDEs in blood from captive pandas were significantly higher than in wild pandas. The total concentration of PBDEs were 5473 and 4835 (pg.g) in Fargesia qinlingensis , were 2192 and 1414 (pg.g) in Bashannia fargesii (2192, 1414 pg g), 0.066, 0.038 (pg/ml) in drinking water, and 28.8 (pg.g) in supplemental feedstuff for captive and wild pandas, which indicate that the PBDEs came from its bamboo feed, especially from Bashannia fargesii . Our results demonstrate that BDE99 and BDE47 could be threatening the pandas’ health especially for captive panda and there are potential health risks from PBDEs for pandas. In the short term, this risk may be ameliorated by strict control of food quality. In the long term, however, reducing air, water and soil contamination so as to improve environmental quality can best reduce these risks to meet the international standard such as Stockholm Convention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considering the impossibility to cover the entire population of an endangered species in protected areas, a new approach (species conservation redlines) was recently been proposed in China. It constitutes the baseline space for species conservation but mapping and managing a species redline is not clear. In this study, a procedure on how to map habitat conservation redlines for the endangered giant panda was proposed. Panda habitat was first modeled based on field survey and remotely sensed data. Redline area was proposed after comparing three different scenarios, covering different proportions of panda habitat and populations. Results showed that the proposed redline area covered 9358 km 2 . This area can protect more than 80% of the populations in all mountain regions in the study area, while keeping the connectivity of the habitat. The current nature reserves cover 60% of the redline area. Suggestions on how to manage redline areas inside and outside reserves are proposed, to limit human development activities in panda habitat. Our study provided a new approach for managing panda habitat, and would have implications for conservation of other endangered species in China and the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The conservation outcomes of a protected area depend on management actions. The effectiveness of protected area management remains a concern for donors and policy-makers. However, very few feasible methods assessing the ability and performance of management teams have been developed. Behavioral shifts in habitat usage, direct and sensitive wildlife responses to threats, have been ignored in the evaluation of protected area management. To address the technical limitations, we developed a method that uses the behavioral dynamics of target species as indicators of the efficacy of threat reduction, control, and overall management effort. By comparing wildlife behavior with threat avoidance distances and patterns we can examine threat mitigation efficacy as a proxy for overall reserve management effectiveness. Using evidence of giant panda habitat utilization in eleven reserves across Qinling Mountains from 2000 to 2012, we built a model of behavior based on the avoidance of four types of anthropogenic threat. We stratified the eleven reserves into five efficacies, of which Changqing reserve was deemed to have the highest management effectiveness. Our approach was validated and supported by changes in suitable habitat and population size across reserves. Focusing on the end result of all threats and management effort means that our framework is straightforward for reserve staff to implement, produces easily interpreted results, and is worthy of application. This study highlights the value of behavioral dynamics when making a full and scientific assessment of the effectiveness of protected area management, and helps investors and policy-makers realize the efficacy of conservation inputs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While the health effects of the colonization of the reproductive tracts of mammals by bacterial communities are widely known, there is a dearth of knowledge specifically in relation to giant panda microbiomes. In order to investigate the vaginal and uterine bacterial diversity of healthy giant pandas, we used high-throughput sequence analysis of portions of the 16S rRNA gene, based on samples taken from the vaginas (GPV group) and uteri (GPU group) of these animals. Results showed that the four most abundant phyla, which contained in excess of 98% of the total sequences, were Proteobacteria (59.2% for GPV and 51.4% for GPU), Firmicutes (34.4% for GPV and 23.3% for GPU), Actinobacteria (5.2% for GPV and 14.0% for GPU) and Bacteroidetes (0.3% for GPV and 10.3% for GPU). At the genus level, Escherichia was most abundant (11.0%) in the GPV, followed by Leuconostoc (8.7%), Pseudomonas (8.0%), Acinetobacter (7.3%), Streptococcus (6.3%) and Lactococcus (6.0%). In relation to the uterine samples, Janthinobacterium had the highest prevalence rate (20.2%), followed by Corynebacterium (13.2%), Streptococcus (19.6%), Psychrobacter (9.3%), Escherichia (7.5%) and Bacteroides (6.2%). Moreover, both Chao1 and abundance-based coverage estimator (ACE) species richness indices, which were operating at the same sequencing depth for each sample, demonstrated that GPV had more species richness than GPU, while Simpson and Shannon indices of diversity indicated that GPV had the higher bacterial diversity. These findings contribute to our understanding of the potential influence abnormal reproductive tract microbial communities have on negative pregnancy outcomes in giant pandas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]