Final Report - Asian Development Bank

TA 4721-PRC: Preparing the Shaanxi-Qinling Mountains Integrated Ecosystem Management Project
Final Report Appendix 7
149. The following recommendations are provided for the design process:
� Develop a model for the captive population of pandas for optimistic and pessimistic
scenarios (already in preparation by SARC staff)
� Assess the role of the center for the conservation of giant pandas in the QM
� Prepare husbandry guidelines for giant pandas in the centers
� Develop research proposals for giant pandas including investigation into natural
breeding
� Undertake a vegetation survey of the site
� Critically assess management policy for center for the year
� Consider phased construction to match the model
150. Providing captive bred and rescued wild giant pandas with high quality environments in the
QBCDA area is an excellent objective of this project however it is difficult to justify the high costs
involved for the infrastructure, the management, the potential impact on the environment and the
number of pandas to be held in captivity without a full understanding of the role of this project within a
wider conservation program for the giant panda and the Qinling Mountain sub-species.
151. With a small number of pandas breeding currently at the center it is not possible to meet the
target population without taking giant pandas from the wild either as rescued animals or captured
specifically for the breeding program. Without a full conservation action plan making this
recommendation, bringing wild pandas into captivity cannot be sanctioned unless it directly relates to
the individual wellbeing of any single panda. This plan will consider the concerns about fragmented
populations, the current relatively low wild population, the sub-species issues and the need for a
secure population in captivity which is genetically strong.
152. The center can become an excellent site for:
� rehabilitation of young and rescued pandas
� research into the behavioral aspects of reintroduction
� continued research into panda nutrition
� research into other fauna and flora or the QBCDA area e.g. giant salamander
153. The Project will develop 99 internal holding pens; 10 Panda nursery facilities; Panda feeding
areas, 32 enclosures; a research facility; food store and processing room; and all support facilities for
staff and effective management of the centre. The centre is currently proposed to be located in the
QBCDA area will be a breeding and research centre and will use facilities and staff at the main centre.
It is designed to provide the pandas with an excellent environment almost replicating wild conditions
both in weather and habitat, presumably with the associated benefits to the health and breeding of
pandas at the centre. The center will require investment into roading that will include a tunnel and
includes a water supply and irrigation system based on damming the adjacent river.
154. Satellite Area Two - Crested Ibis: The center will focus on wetland species with the crested
ibis as the flagship for this threatened habitat. The facility will be centered on a breeding colony of
crested ibis in one of the largest free-flight aviaries of its kind in the world. This will not only provide a
spectacular environment for the birds and visitors but it will also be an invaluable tool in the
reintroduction program for the ibis in the Qinling Mountains and elsewhere in China. The ibis will be
able to develop their flying and feeding skills, developing an increased level of fitness as a result. They
will breed naturally in the woodland area and forage in the artificial pools and paddy fields developed
at the center.
155. A wetlands education center will inform visitors of the importance of these special habitats
and the impact of the loss or damage of areas through drainage, pollution and climate change. The
artificial wetland will have the capability to attract wild species as well as exhibit other aquatic animals
and plants from the region.
156. The new center has the potential to set new standards of care and exhibition of crested ibis,
providing a unique opportunity to learn more about the breeding and feeding behavior of this
internationally important species, contributing invaluable information to their future survival across their
former range.
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