To catch a panda(h support from the National Science Foun...)

Date:12/10/2007

h support from the National Science Foundation, NASA, National Natural Science Foundation of China and other sources, the scientists have made groundbreaking discoveries on the give-and-take between panda and human survival in the bamboo jungles, mountains and farmland of the Wolong Nature Reserve, home of the famous panda research and breeding center.

The giant pandas are the darlings of their native China and the world. But walk through panda habitat and theyre invisible. Pandas are endangered. Estimates of panda numbers in the wild range from 1,600 to 3,000.

Pandas are particular. Nonnegotiable to the panda is a home that offers lots of choice bamboo, mature trees strong enough to hold a napping panda, ideal temperature and a comfy slope.

Pandas share their home, even in reserves, with people locked in their own struggle to survive. The logging and farming that provides humans heat for their homes and income to survive has wiped out acres of panda-friendly terrain.

Recent history is steeped in irony. Chinas efforts to save the pandas have made the nature reserves an irresistible tourist attraction. Panda fans on ecotourism trips flock like groupies. This commerce and development degrades panda habitat.

'/>"/>

Contact: Sue Nichols nichols@msu.edu 517-353-8942 Michigan State University   Source:Eurekalert

3 GOOD

Page: 1 2
Related biology news :

1. Research cautions to catch-and-release in less than 4 minutes
2. HU scientist finds way to catch terrorists red-handed
3. Carnivorous plants use pitchers of slimy saliva to catch their prey
4. Economists: Reduce fish catch now for bigger net profits later
5. Giant panda can survive