30 yrs - pandaawsassets.wwfhk.panda.org/downloads/...dec2011_eng.pdf · the pandas can travel more...
TRANSCRIPT
Page 5
Panda rescuedrama
Conservation SustainabilityClimate Change• MY PANDAS • Issue 1
WWF.ORG.HK
Pandas in numbers
30 YRSYear of 2010 marks the 30th anniversary of WWF’s conservation work in China.
50+More than 50 panda reserves exist in China.
1963In 1963, the first four panda reserves were established with help from WWF. A law was also passed to ban the hunting of wild pandas.
co
ve
r im
ag
e: ©
er
ic b
ac
ce
ga
/ np
l.co
m th
is pa
ge
: © m
ich
ae
l gu
nth
er
/ ww
f-ca
no
n
My pandas
researchers use a radio satellite to track wild pandas
mY pandas news
It’s official – we’ve spent the last three
decades protecting pandas in China.
And we’re pleased to say that, thanks to
supporters like you, we’re still making great
strides forward.
Our work began in the mid-1970s,
when a wildlife census revealed that the
number of wild pandas had dwindled
to just over a thousand.
We knew we had to save those that were left,
so in 1979 we became the first international
conservation organisation
to be invited into the People’s Republic
of China. Straight away we collaborated with
Chinese scientists to undertake intensive
research on wild panda ecology and
behaviour.
Three decades of cooperation followed in
which we discovered more about the threats
pandas face. Most, like the destruction of
their habitat and poaching, were man-made.
In 1992 a groundbreaking deal between
WWF and the Chinese Ministry for Forestry
provided a way forward. A conservation plan
paved the way for 14 new nature reserves
linked by pathways which would reconnect
stranded panda populations.
Then in 1996 we helped combat poaching by
training more than 300 panda reserve staff
and government officials on how to monitor
pandas and create their own
anti-poaching patrols.
The state council of China carried out
a fresh census in 2004, which found
that there were now 1,600 pandas left in the
wild. But there’s still a lot of work
to be done to secure the survival of
the species.
© g
eo
rg
e b
. sc
ha
ller
/ ww
f
650An average panda eats 650 bamboo shoots each day.
PANDA MILESTONEAs WWF celebrates 30 years of protecting wild pandas, we look back at our achievements so far
Page 4 Page 2Page 3
CONNECTED AT LAST?Millions ploughed into panda habitat conservation could see giant pandas reconnect
species: giant panda
location: minshan
mountains, central china
project location
© s
us
an
a. m
ain
ka
/ w
wf-
ca
no
n
mY pandas news
Over the next three years we’re investing
around HK$44.6million to continue
protecting the habitat of wild pandas, as
well, help fund new ‘Panda corridors’ so that
the pandas can travel more easily between
nature reserves. By enabling pandas to
move more freely between nature reserves,
and working to end the destruction of their
homes, we’re helping to make sure they don’t
disappear from the landscape forever.
minshan mountains
At the moment there are about 1,600 pandas
living wild in central China. Though most
have made their homes in the south-western
province of Sichuan, others are spread out
across Gansu and Northern Shaanxi.
Part of the problem for pandas is that the
booming Chinese economy means new
railways and roads are being built which
block their movements. Being free to roam
is essential if pandas are going to meet new
mates and find food. It’s therefore
important to the future of
the species that something is
done to help resolve this.
It’s not just us that are
providing funds to
save the panda. The Chinese
government is also
giving huge additional investment to
conserve the bears. We’re working
together to improve panda habitat,
reconnect populations, carry out
regular patrols and provide
locals with sustainable livelihoods that don’t
destroy panda habitat.
“One of the main goals of this project is
to turn all giant panda habitats into a
fluid network to help protect the forests,
grasslands, wetlands, lakes and plant
species that are crucial to pandas’ survival,”
explained WWF-China ex-country
representative, Dermot O’Gorman.
Large-scale conservation projects like
this just wouldn’t be possible without your
support. And thanks to you, the future looks
a lot less bleak for our black-and-white
friends.
giant panda habitat, sichuan province, china
PANDAMERGENCYGiant panda rescued after nine-hour ordeal
mY pandas field report
An adult panda became stranded on a steep
hillside while looking for food about one
kilometre outside of China’s Heizhugou
Nature Reserve. A local from a nearby village
raised the alarm, and our rescue team were
quickly dispatched to rescue the panda.
To stop the wayward bear becoming
frightened, onlookers and other non-
essential staff were evacuated from the site.
The rescuers then climbed down to where the
panda was located, and lured it away from
the hillside with sticks of delicious bamboo.
panda that’s wandered out of Heizhugou
Nature Reserve.
The last occasion saw a panda ending up
almost three kilometres outside of the forest.
This was close to where many local people
live, and, according to our team, could show
that some pandas are being forced to range
further afield in search of food.
Diane Walkington, who leads our
wildlife work, adds: “Searching for food
outside their forest habitat puts the panda
at a greater risk from being caught in snares
laid for other animals. And they need to
stay within their habitat to feed and breed
successfully. We’re working hard to make
sure more and more habitat is protected and
connected.”
They soon managed to coax it back to the
safety of the reserve.
This is the second time in the space of a few
months that our team has had to rescue a
© w
wf-
ch
ina
Left: The stranded panda
20 YEARS AvERAGE TIME FOR bAMbOO SEEDS TO
GROW INTO AN AREA THAT CAN FEED A
PANDA POPuLATION
© g
eo
rg
e b
. sc
ha
lle
r /
ww
f
“The money will help fund new ‘panda corridors’ so that the pan-das can travel more easily between nature reserves”
gansu
northern shaanxi
sichuan
giant panda corridors
china
YOUR ADOPTION UPDATE
© 1986 panda symbol wwf “wwf” is a wwf registered trademark
wwf-hong kong, suite1002, 10/f, asian house, 1 hennessy road, wanchai, hong kong.
tel: (852) 2526 1011, fax: (852) 2845 2734, email: [email protected]
2006IN 2006, WE HELPED RECONNECT TWO PANDA POPuLATIONS THAT HAD bEEN SEPARATED bY A HIGHWAY FOR 23 YEARS
Page 5
Panda rescuedrama
ConservationSustainability Climate Change
• MY P
ANDA
S • I
ssue 1
WWF.O
RG.H
K
Pandas in numbers
30 YRS Year of 2010 marks the 30th anniversary of WWF’s conservation work in China.
50+ More than 50 panda reserves exist in China.
1963 In 1963, the first four panda reserves were established with help from WWF. A law was also passed to ban the hunting of wild pandas.
co
ve
r im
ag
e: ©
er
ic b
ac
ce
ga
/ n
pl.
co
m
this
pa
ge
: © m
ich
ae
l g
un
the
r /
ww
f-c
an
on
My pandas
researchers use a radio satellite to track wild pandas
mY pandas news
It’s official – we’ve spent the last three
decades protecting pandas in China.
And we’re pleased to say that, thanks to
supporters like you, we’re still making great
strides forward.
Our work began in the mid-1970s,
when a wildlife census revealed that the
number of wild pandas had dwindled
to just over a thousand.
We knew we had to save those that were left,
so in 1979 we became the first international
conservation organisation
to be invited into the People’s Republic
of China. Straight away we collaborated with
Chinese scientists to undertake intensive
research on wild panda ecology and
behaviour.
Three decades of cooperation followed in
which we discovered more about the threats
pandas face. Most, like the destruction of
their habitat and poaching, were man-made.
In 1992 a groundbreaking deal between
WWF and the Chinese Ministry for Forestry
provided a way forward. A conservation plan
paved the way for 14 new nature reserves
linked by pathways which would reconnect
stranded panda populations.
Then in 1996 we helped combat poaching by
training more than 300 panda reserve staff
and government officials on how to monitor
pandas and create their own
anti-poaching patrols.
The state council of China carried out
a fresh census in 2004, which found
that there were now 1,600 pandas left in the
wild. But there’s still a lot of work
to be done to secure the survival of
the species.
© g
eo
rg
e b
. sc
ha
lle
r /
ww
f
650 An average panda eats 650 bamboo shoots each day.
PANDA MILESTONEAs WWF celebrates 30 years of protecting wild pandas, we look back at our achievements so far
Page 4Page 2 Page 3
CONNECTED AT LAST?Millions ploughed into panda habitat conservation could see giant pandas reconnect
species: giant panda
location: minshan
mountains, central china
project location
© s
us
an
a. m
ain
ka
/ ww
f-ca
no
n
mY pandas news
Over the next three years we’re investing
around HK$44.6million to continue
protecting the habitat of wild pandas, as
well, help fund new ‘Panda corridors’ so that
the pandas can travel more easily between
nature reserves. By enabling pandas to
move more freely between nature reserves,
and working to end the destruction of their
homes, we’re helping to make sure they don’t
disappear from the landscape forever.
minshan mountains
At the moment there are about 1,600 pandas
living wild in central China. Though most
have made their homes in the south-western
province of Sichuan, others are spread out
across Gansu and Northern Shaanxi.
Part of the problem for pandas is that the
booming Chinese economy means new
railways and roads are being built which
block their movements. Being free to roam
is essential if pandas are going to meet new
mates and find food. It’s therefore
important to the future of
the species that something is
done to help resolve this.
It’s not just us that are
providing funds to
save the panda. The Chinese
government is also
giving huge additional investment to
conserve the bears. We’re working
together to improve panda habitat,
reconnect populations, carry out
regular patrols and provide
locals with sustainable livelihoods that don’t
destroy panda habitat.
“One of the main goals of this project is
to turn all giant panda habitats into a
fluid network to help protect the forests,
grasslands, wetlands, lakes and plant
species that are crucial to pandas’ survival,”
explained WWF-China ex-country
representative, Dermot O’Gorman.
Large-scale conservation projects like
this just wouldn’t be possible without your
support. And thanks to you, the future looks
a lot less bleak for our black-and-white
friends.
giant panda habitat, sichuan province, china
PANDAMERGENCYGiant panda rescued after nine-hour ordeal
mY pandas field report
An adult panda became stranded on a steep
hillside while looking for food about one
kilometre outside of China’s Heizhugou
Nature Reserve. A local from a nearby village
raised the alarm, and our rescue team were
quickly dispatched to rescue the panda.
To stop the wayward bear becoming
frightened, onlookers and other non-
essential staff were evacuated from the site.
The rescuers then climbed down to where the
panda was located, and lured it away from
the hillside with sticks of delicious bamboo.
panda that’s wandered out of Heizhugou
Nature Reserve.
The last occasion saw a panda ending up
almost three kilometres outside of the forest.
This was close to where many local people
live, and, according to our team, could show
that some pandas are being forced to range
further afield in search of food.
Diane Walkington, who leads our
wildlife work, adds: “Searching for food
outside their forest habitat puts the panda
at a greater risk from being caught in snares
laid for other animals. And they need to
stay within their habitat to feed and breed
successfully. We’re working hard to make
sure more and more habitat is protected and
connected.”
They soon managed to coax it back to the
safety of the reserve.
This is the second time in the space of a few
months that our team has had to rescue a
© w
wf-c
hin
a
Left: The stranded panda
20 YEARSAvERAGE TIME FOR bAMbOO SEEDS TO
GROW INTO AN AREA THAT CAN FEED A
PANDA POPuLATION
© g
eo
rg
e b
. sc
ha
ller
/ ww
f
“The money will help fund new ‘panda corridors’ so that the pan-das can travel more easily between nature reserves”
gansu
northern shaanxi
sichuan
giant panda corridors
china
YOUR ADOPTION UPDATE
© 1986 panda symbol wwf “wwf” is a wwf registered trademark
wwf-hong kong, suite1002, 10/f, asian house, 1 hennessy road, wanchai, hong kong.
tel: (852) 2526 1011, fax: (852) 2845 2734, email: [email protected]
2006 IN 2006, WE HELPED RECONNECT TWO PANDA POPuLATIONS THAT HAD bEEN SEPARATED bY A HIGHWAY FOR 23 YEARS
Page 5
Panda rescuedrama
ConservationSustainability Climate Change
• MY P
ANDA
S • I
ssue 1
WWF.O
RG.H
K
Pandas in numbers
30 YRS Year of 2010 marks the 30th anniversary of WWF’s conservation work in China.
50+ More than 50 panda reserves exist in China.
1963 In 1963, the first four panda reserves were established with help from WWF. A law was also passed to ban the hunting of wild pandas.
co
ve
r im
ag
e: ©
er
ic b
ac
ce
ga
/ n
pl.
co
m
this
pa
ge
: © m
ich
ae
l g
un
the
r /
ww
f-c
an
on
My pandas
researchers use a radio satellite to track wild pandas
mY pandas news
It’s official – we’ve spent the last three
decades protecting pandas in China.
And we’re pleased to say that, thanks to
supporters like you, we’re still making great
strides forward.
Our work began in the mid-1970s,
when a wildlife census revealed that the
number of wild pandas had dwindled
to just over a thousand.
We knew we had to save those that were left,
so in 1979 we became the first international
conservation organisation
to be invited into the People’s Republic
of China. Straight away we collaborated with
Chinese scientists to undertake intensive
research on wild panda ecology and
behaviour.
Three decades of cooperation followed in
which we discovered more about the threats
pandas face. Most, like the destruction of
their habitat and poaching, were man-made.
In 1992 a groundbreaking deal between
WWF and the Chinese Ministry for Forestry
provided a way forward. A conservation plan
paved the way for 14 new nature reserves
linked by pathways which would reconnect
stranded panda populations.
Then in 1996 we helped combat poaching by
training more than 300 panda reserve staff
and government officials on how to monitor
pandas and create their own
anti-poaching patrols.
The state council of China carried out
a fresh census in 2004, which found
that there were now 1,600 pandas left in the
wild. But there’s still a lot of work
to be done to secure the survival of
the species.
© g
eo
rg
e b
. sc
ha
lle
r /
ww
f
650 An average panda eats 650 bamboo shoots each day.
PANDA MILESTONEAs WWF celebrates 30 years of protecting wild pandas, we look back at our achievements so far
Page 4Page 2 Page 3
CONNECTED AT LAST?Millions ploughed into panda habitat conservation could see giant pandas reconnect
species: giant panda
location: minshan
mountains, central china
project location
© s
us
an
a. m
ain
ka
/ ww
f-ca
no
n
mY pandas news
Over the next three years we’re investing
around HK$44.6million to continue
protecting the habitat of wild pandas, as
well, help fund new ‘Panda corridors’ so that
the pandas can travel more easily between
nature reserves. By enabling pandas to
move more freely between nature reserves,
and working to end the destruction of their
homes, we’re helping to make sure they don’t
disappear from the landscape forever.
minshan mountains
At the moment there are about 1,600 pandas
living wild in central China. Though most
have made their homes in the south-western
province of Sichuan, others are spread out
across Gansu and Northern Shaanxi.
Part of the problem for pandas is that the
booming Chinese economy means new
railways and roads are being built which
block their movements. Being free to roam
is essential if pandas are going to meet new
mates and find food. It’s therefore
important to the future of
the species that something is
done to help resolve this.
It’s not just us that are
providing funds to
save the panda. The Chinese
government is also
giving huge additional investment to
conserve the bears. We’re working
together to improve panda habitat,
reconnect populations, carry out
regular patrols and provide
locals with sustainable livelihoods that don’t
destroy panda habitat.
“One of the main goals of this project is
to turn all giant panda habitats into a
fluid network to help protect the forests,
grasslands, wetlands, lakes and plant
species that are crucial to pandas’ survival,”
explained WWF-China ex-country
representative, Dermot O’Gorman.
Large-scale conservation projects like
this just wouldn’t be possible without your
support. And thanks to you, the future looks
a lot less bleak for our black-and-white
friends.
giant panda habitat, sichuan province, china
PANDAMERGENCYGiant panda rescued after nine-hour ordeal
mY pandas field report
An adult panda became stranded on a steep
hillside while looking for food about one
kilometre outside of China’s Heizhugou
Nature Reserve. A local from a nearby village
raised the alarm, and our rescue team were
quickly dispatched to rescue the panda.
To stop the wayward bear becoming
frightened, onlookers and other non-
essential staff were evacuated from the site.
The rescuers then climbed down to where the
panda was located, and lured it away from
the hillside with sticks of delicious bamboo.
panda that’s wandered out of Heizhugou
Nature Reserve.
The last occasion saw a panda ending up
almost three kilometres outside of the forest.
This was close to where many local people
live, and, according to our team, could show
that some pandas are being forced to range
further afield in search of food.
Diane Walkington, who leads our
wildlife work, adds: “Searching for food
outside their forest habitat puts the panda
at a greater risk from being caught in snares
laid for other animals. And they need to
stay within their habitat to feed and breed
successfully. We’re working hard to make
sure more and more habitat is protected and
connected.”
They soon managed to coax it back to the
safety of the reserve.
This is the second time in the space of a few
months that our team has had to rescue a
© w
wf-c
hin
a
Left: The stranded panda
20 YEARSAvERAGE TIME FOR bAMbOO SEEDS TO
GROW INTO AN AREA THAT CAN FEED A
PANDA POPuLATION
© g
eo
rg
e b
. sc
ha
ller
/ ww
f
“The money will help fund new ‘panda corridors’ so that the pan-das can travel more easily between nature reserves”
gansu
northern shaanxi
sichuan
giant panda corridors
china
YOUR ADOPTION UPDATE
© 1986 panda symbol wwf “wwf” is a wwf registered trademark
wwf-hong kong, suite1002, 10/f, asian house, 1 hennessy road, wanchai, hong kong.
tel: (852) 2526 1011, fax: (852) 2845 2734, email: [email protected]
2006 IN 2006, WE HELPED RECONNECT TWO PANDA POPuLATIONS THAT HAD bEEN SEPARATED bY A HIGHWAY FOR 23 YEARS
Page 5
Panda rescuedrama
ConservationSustainability Climate Change
• MY P
ANDA
S • I
ssue 1
WWF.O
RG.H
K
Pandas in numbers
30 YRS Year of 2010 marks the 30th anniversary of WWF’s conservation work in China.
50+ More than 50 panda reserves exist in China.
1963 In 1963, the first four panda reserves were established with help from WWF. A law was also passed to ban the hunting of wild pandas.
co
ve
r im
ag
e: ©
er
ic b
ac
ce
ga
/ n
pl.
co
m
this
pa
ge
: © m
ich
ae
l g
un
the
r /
ww
f-c
an
on
My pandas
researchers use a radio satellite to track wild pandas
mY pandas news
It’s official – we’ve spent the last three
decades protecting pandas in China.
And we’re pleased to say that, thanks to
supporters like you, we’re still making great
strides forward.
Our work began in the mid-1970s,
when a wildlife census revealed that the
number of wild pandas had dwindled
to just over a thousand.
We knew we had to save those that were left,
so in 1979 we became the first international
conservation organisation
to be invited into the People’s Republic
of China. Straight away we collaborated with
Chinese scientists to undertake intensive
research on wild panda ecology and
behaviour.
Three decades of cooperation followed in
which we discovered more about the threats
pandas face. Most, like the destruction of
their habitat and poaching, were man-made.
In 1992 a groundbreaking deal between
WWF and the Chinese Ministry for Forestry
provided a way forward. A conservation plan
paved the way for 14 new nature reserves
linked by pathways which would reconnect
stranded panda populations.
Then in 1996 we helped combat poaching by
training more than 300 panda reserve staff
and government officials on how to monitor
pandas and create their own
anti-poaching patrols.
The state council of China carried out
a fresh census in 2004, which found
that there were now 1,600 pandas left in the
wild. But there’s still a lot of work
to be done to secure the survival of
the species.
© g
eo
rg
e b
. sc
ha
lle
r /
ww
f
650 An average panda eats 650 bamboo shoots each day.
PANDA MILESTONEAs WWF celebrates 30 years of protecting wild pandas, we look back at our achievements so far
Page 4Page 2 Page 3
CONNECTED AT LAST?Millions ploughed into panda habitat conservation could see giant pandas reconnect
species: giant panda
location: minshan
mountains, central china
project location
© s
us
an
a. m
ain
ka
/ ww
f-ca
no
n
mY pandas news
Over the next three years we’re investing
around HK$44.6million to continue
protecting the habitat of wild pandas, as
well, help fund new ‘Panda corridors’ so that
the pandas can travel more easily between
nature reserves. By enabling pandas to
move more freely between nature reserves,
and working to end the destruction of their
homes, we’re helping to make sure they don’t
disappear from the landscape forever.
minshan mountains
At the moment there are about 1,600 pandas
living wild in central China. Though most
have made their homes in the south-western
province of Sichuan, others are spread out
across Gansu and Northern Shaanxi.
Part of the problem for pandas is that the
booming Chinese economy means new
railways and roads are being built which
block their movements. Being free to roam
is essential if pandas are going to meet new
mates and find food. It’s therefore
important to the future of
the species that something is
done to help resolve this.
It’s not just us that are
providing funds to
save the panda. The Chinese
government is also
giving huge additional investment to
conserve the bears. We’re working
together to improve panda habitat,
reconnect populations, carry out
regular patrols and provide
locals with sustainable livelihoods that don’t
destroy panda habitat.
“One of the main goals of this project is
to turn all giant panda habitats into a
fluid network to help protect the forests,
grasslands, wetlands, lakes and plant
species that are crucial to pandas’ survival,”
explained WWF-China ex-country
representative, Dermot O’Gorman.
Large-scale conservation projects like
this just wouldn’t be possible without your
support. And thanks to you, the future looks
a lot less bleak for our black-and-white
friends.
giant panda habitat, sichuan province, china
PANDAMERGENCYGiant panda rescued after nine-hour ordeal
mY pandas field report
An adult panda became stranded on a steep
hillside while looking for food about one
kilometre outside of China’s Heizhugou
Nature Reserve. A local from a nearby village
raised the alarm, and our rescue team were
quickly dispatched to rescue the panda.
To stop the wayward bear becoming
frightened, onlookers and other non-
essential staff were evacuated from the site.
The rescuers then climbed down to where the
panda was located, and lured it away from
the hillside with sticks of delicious bamboo.
panda that’s wandered out of Heizhugou
Nature Reserve.
The last occasion saw a panda ending up
almost three kilometres outside of the forest.
This was close to where many local people
live, and, according to our team, could show
that some pandas are being forced to range
further afield in search of food.
Diane Walkington, who leads our
wildlife work, adds: “Searching for food
outside their forest habitat puts the panda
at a greater risk from being caught in snares
laid for other animals. And they need to
stay within their habitat to feed and breed
successfully. We’re working hard to make
sure more and more habitat is protected and
connected.”
They soon managed to coax it back to the
safety of the reserve.
This is the second time in the space of a few
months that our team has had to rescue a
© w
wf-c
hin
a
Left: The stranded panda
20 YEARSAvERAGE TIME FOR bAMbOO SEEDS TO
GROW INTO AN AREA THAT CAN FEED A
PANDA POPuLATION
© g
eo
rg
e b
. sc
ha
ller
/ ww
f
“The money will help fund new ‘panda corridors’ so that the pan-das can travel more easily between nature reserves”
gansu
northern shaanxi
sichuan
giant panda corridors
china
YOUR ADOPTION UPDATE
© 1986 panda symbol wwf “wwf” is a wwf registered trademark
wwf-hong kong, suite1002, 10/f, asian house, 1 hennessy road, wanchai, hong kong.
tel: (852) 2526 1011, fax: (852) 2845 2734, email: [email protected]
2006 IN 2006, WE HELPED RECONNECT TWO PANDA POPuLATIONS THAT HAD bEEN SEPARATED bY A HIGHWAY FOR 23 YEARS
Page 5
Panda rescuedrama
Conservation SustainabilityClimate Change
• MY PANDAS • Issue 1WWF.ORG.HK
Pandas in numbers
30 YRSYear of 2010 marks the 30th anniversary of WWF’s conservation work in China.
50+More than 50 panda reserves exist in China.
1963In 1963, the first four panda reserves were established with help from WWF. A law was also passed to ban the hunting of wild pandas.
co
ve
r im
ag
e: ©
er
ic b
ac
ce
ga
/ np
l.co
m th
is pa
ge
: © m
ich
ae
l gu
nth
er
/ ww
f-ca
no
n
My pandas
researchers use a radio satellite to track wild pandas
mY pandas news
It’s official – we’ve spent the last three
decades protecting pandas in China.
And we’re pleased to say that, thanks to
supporters like you, we’re still making great
strides forward.
Our work began in the mid-1970s,
when a wildlife census revealed that the
number of wild pandas had dwindled
to just over a thousand.
We knew we had to save those that were left,
so in 1979 we became the first international
conservation organisation
to be invited into the People’s Republic
of China. Straight away we collaborated with
Chinese scientists to undertake intensive
research on wild panda ecology and
behaviour.
Three decades of cooperation followed in
which we discovered more about the threats
pandas face. Most, like the destruction of
their habitat and poaching, were man-made.
In 1992 a groundbreaking deal between
WWF and the Chinese Ministry for Forestry
provided a way forward. A conservation plan
paved the way for 14 new nature reserves
linked by pathways which would reconnect
stranded panda populations.
Then in 1996 we helped combat poaching by
training more than 300 panda reserve staff
and government officials on how to monitor
pandas and create their own
anti-poaching patrols.
The state council of China carried out
a fresh census in 2004, which found
that there were now 1,600 pandas left in the
wild. But there’s still a lot of work
to be done to secure the survival of
the species.
© g
eo
rg
e b
. sc
ha
ller
/ ww
f
650An average panda eats 650 bamboo shoots each day.
PANDA MILESTONEAs WWF celebrates 30 years of protecting wild pandas, we look back at our achievements so far
Page 4 Page 2Page 3
CONNECTED AT LAST?Millions ploughed into panda habitat conservation could see giant pandas reconnect
species: giant panda
location: minshan
mountains, central china
project location
© s
us
an
a. m
ain
ka
/ w
wf-
ca
no
n
mY pandas news
Over the next three years we’re investing
around HK$44.6million to continue
protecting the habitat of wild pandas, as
well, help fund new ‘Panda corridors’ so that
the pandas can travel more easily between
nature reserves. By enabling pandas to
move more freely between nature reserves,
and working to end the destruction of their
homes, we’re helping to make sure they don’t
disappear from the landscape forever.
minshan mountains
At the moment there are about 1,600 pandas
living wild in central China. Though most
have made their homes in the south-western
province of Sichuan, others are spread out
across Gansu and Northern Shaanxi.
Part of the problem for pandas is that the
booming Chinese economy means new
railways and roads are being built which
block their movements. Being free to roam
is essential if pandas are going to meet new
mates and find food. It’s therefore
important to the future of
the species that something is
done to help resolve this.
It’s not just us that are
providing funds to
save the panda. The Chinese
government is also
giving huge additional investment to
conserve the bears. We’re working
together to improve panda habitat,
reconnect populations, carry out
regular patrols and provide
locals with sustainable livelihoods that don’t
destroy panda habitat.
“One of the main goals of this project is
to turn all giant panda habitats into a
fluid network to help protect the forests,
grasslands, wetlands, lakes and plant
species that are crucial to pandas’ survival,”
explained WWF-China ex-country
representative, Dermot O’Gorman.
Large-scale conservation projects like
this just wouldn’t be possible without your
support. And thanks to you, the future looks
a lot less bleak for our black-and-white
friends.
giant panda habitat, sichuan province, china
PANDAMERGENCYGiant panda rescued after nine-hour ordeal
mY pandas field report
An adult panda became stranded on a steep
hillside while looking for food about one
kilometre outside of China’s Heizhugou
Nature Reserve. A local from a nearby village
raised the alarm, and our rescue team were
quickly dispatched to rescue the panda.
To stop the wayward bear becoming
frightened, onlookers and other non-
essential staff were evacuated from the site.
The rescuers then climbed down to where the
panda was located, and lured it away from
the hillside with sticks of delicious bamboo.
panda that’s wandered out of Heizhugou
Nature Reserve.
The last occasion saw a panda ending up
almost three kilometres outside of the forest.
This was close to where many local people
live, and, according to our team, could show
that some pandas are being forced to range
further afield in search of food.
Diane Walkington, who leads our
wildlife work, adds: “Searching for food
outside their forest habitat puts the panda
at a greater risk from being caught in snares
laid for other animals. And they need to
stay within their habitat to feed and breed
successfully. We’re working hard to make
sure more and more habitat is protected and
connected.”
They soon managed to coax it back to the
safety of the reserve.
This is the second time in the space of a few
months that our team has had to rescue a
© w
wf-
ch
ina
Left: The stranded panda
20 YEARS AvERAGE TIME FOR bAMbOO SEEDS TO
GROW INTO AN AREA THAT CAN FEED A
PANDA POPuLATION
© g
eo
rg
e b
. sc
ha
lle
r /
ww
f
“The money will help fund new ‘panda corridors’ so that the pan-das can travel more easily between nature reserves”
gansu
northern shaanxi
sichuan
giant panda corridors
china
YOUR ADOPTION UPDATE
© 1986 panda symbol wwf “wwf” is a wwf registered trademark
wwf-hong kong, suite1002, 10/f, asian house, 1 hennessy road, wanchai, hong kong.
tel: (852) 2526 1011, fax: (852) 2845 2734, email: [email protected]
2006IN 2006, WE HELPED RECONNECT TWO PANDA POPuLATIONS THAT HAD bEEN SEPARATED bY A HIGHWAY FOR 23 YEARS
Page 5
Panda rescuedrama
Conservation SustainabilityClimate Change
• MY PANDAS • Issue 1WWF.ORG.HK
Pandas in numbers
30 YRSYear of 2010 marks the 30th anniversary of WWF’s conservation work in China.
50+More than 50 panda reserves exist in China.
1963In 1963, the first four panda reserves were established with help from WWF. A law was also passed to ban the hunting of wild pandas.
co
ve
r im
ag
e: ©
er
ic b
ac
ce
ga
/ np
l.co
m th
is pa
ge
: © m
ich
ae
l gu
nth
er
/ ww
f-ca
no
n
My pandas
researchers use a radio satellite to track wild pandas
mY pandas news
It’s official – we’ve spent the last three
decades protecting pandas in China.
And we’re pleased to say that, thanks to
supporters like you, we’re still making great
strides forward.
Our work began in the mid-1970s,
when a wildlife census revealed that the
number of wild pandas had dwindled
to just over a thousand.
We knew we had to save those that were left,
so in 1979 we became the first international
conservation organisation
to be invited into the People’s Republic
of China. Straight away we collaborated with
Chinese scientists to undertake intensive
research on wild panda ecology and
behaviour.
Three decades of cooperation followed in
which we discovered more about the threats
pandas face. Most, like the destruction of
their habitat and poaching, were man-made.
In 1992 a groundbreaking deal between
WWF and the Chinese Ministry for Forestry
provided a way forward. A conservation plan
paved the way for 14 new nature reserves
linked by pathways which would reconnect
stranded panda populations.
Then in 1996 we helped combat poaching by
training more than 300 panda reserve staff
and government officials on how to monitor
pandas and create their own
anti-poaching patrols.
The state council of China carried out
a fresh census in 2004, which found
that there were now 1,600 pandas left in the
wild. But there’s still a lot of work
to be done to secure the survival of
the species.
© g
eo
rg
e b
. sc
ha
ller
/ ww
f
650An average panda eats 650 bamboo shoots each day.
PANDA MILESTONEAs WWF celebrates 30 years of protecting wild pandas, we look back at our achievements so far
Page 4 Page 2Page 3
CONNECTED AT LAST?Millions ploughed into panda habitat conservation could see giant pandas reconnect
species: giant panda
location: minshan
mountains, central china
project location
© s
us
an
a. m
ain
ka
/ w
wf-
ca
no
n
mY pandas news
Over the next three years we’re investing
around HK$44.6million to continue
protecting the habitat of wild pandas, as
well, help fund new ‘Panda corridors’ so that
the pandas can travel more easily between
nature reserves. By enabling pandas to
move more freely between nature reserves,
and working to end the destruction of their
homes, we’re helping to make sure they don’t
disappear from the landscape forever.
minshan mountains
At the moment there are about 1,600 pandas
living wild in central China. Though most
have made their homes in the south-western
province of Sichuan, others are spread out
across Gansu and Northern Shaanxi.
Part of the problem for pandas is that the
booming Chinese economy means new
railways and roads are being built which
block their movements. Being free to roam
is essential if pandas are going to meet new
mates and find food. It’s therefore
important to the future of
the species that something is
done to help resolve this.
It’s not just us that are
providing funds to
save the panda. The Chinese
government is also
giving huge additional investment to
conserve the bears. We’re working
together to improve panda habitat,
reconnect populations, carry out
regular patrols and provide
locals with sustainable livelihoods that don’t
destroy panda habitat.
“One of the main goals of this project is
to turn all giant panda habitats into a
fluid network to help protect the forests,
grasslands, wetlands, lakes and plant
species that are crucial to pandas’ survival,”
explained WWF-China ex-country
representative, Dermot O’Gorman.
Large-scale conservation projects like
this just wouldn’t be possible without your
support. And thanks to you, the future looks
a lot less bleak for our black-and-white
friends.
giant panda habitat, sichuan province, china
PANDAMERGENCYGiant panda rescued after nine-hour ordeal
mY pandas field report
An adult panda became stranded on a steep
hillside while looking for food about one
kilometre outside of China’s Heizhugou
Nature Reserve. A local from a nearby village
raised the alarm, and our rescue team were
quickly dispatched to rescue the panda.
To stop the wayward bear becoming
frightened, onlookers and other non-
essential staff were evacuated from the site.
The rescuers then climbed down to where the
panda was located, and lured it away from
the hillside with sticks of delicious bamboo.
panda that’s wandered out of Heizhugou
Nature Reserve.
The last occasion saw a panda ending up
almost three kilometres outside of the forest.
This was close to where many local people
live, and, according to our team, could show
that some pandas are being forced to range
further afield in search of food.
Diane Walkington, who leads our
wildlife work, adds: “Searching for food
outside their forest habitat puts the panda
at a greater risk from being caught in snares
laid for other animals. And they need to
stay within their habitat to feed and breed
successfully. We’re working hard to make
sure more and more habitat is protected and
connected.”
They soon managed to coax it back to the
safety of the reserve.
This is the second time in the space of a few
months that our team has had to rescue a
© w
wf-
ch
ina
Left: The stranded panda
20 YEARS AvERAGE TIME FOR bAMbOO SEEDS TO
GROW INTO AN AREA THAT CAN FEED A
PANDA POPuLATION
© g
eo
rg
e b
. sc
ha
lle
r /
ww
f
“The money will help fund new ‘panda corridors’ so that the pan-das can travel more easily between nature reserves”
gansu
northern shaanxi
sichuan
giant panda corridors
china
YOUR ADOPTION UPDATE
© 1986 panda symbol wwf “wwf” is a wwf registered trademark
wwf-hong kong, suite1002, 10/f, asian house, 1 hennessy road, wanchai, hong kong.
tel: (852) 2526 1011, fax: (852) 2845 2734, email: [email protected]
2006IN 2006, WE HELPED RECONNECT TWO PANDA POPuLATIONS THAT HAD bEEN SEPARATED bY A HIGHWAY FOR 23 YEARS
© is
toc
kp
ho
toWILDLIFE AT RISK Around the world, wild animals like giant pandas are under threat. One in four mammals, one in eight birds and one in three of all amphibians are facing extinction. All are victims of the same human-induced pressures of loss of habitat and over exploitation. And climate change piles yet more stress on these vulnerable creatures. 2010 is the UN International Year of Biodiversity, so there may be no better time to celebrate the amazing variety of life which brings us so many benefits. And, more importantly, to take action to protect pandas and other species before it’s too late. Here at WWF, we’re working globally to find the answers that are needed.
wwf.org.hk