Final Report - Asian Development Bank

Figure 1: New Reserves in the Qinling Mountains
Area (ha
200,000
180,000
160,000
140,000
120,000
100,000
80,000
60,000
40,000
20,000
0
1965-93 2001-2
Year interval
2006-10
Panda Non-panda
36. As a further safeguard giant Panda were moved into ex-situ management for captive breeding
and research. These programs have eventually resulted in significant progress in assisted reproduction
technology that is currently increasing the number of captive Pandas to the point that leading centers are
achieving close to the reproductive potential of the captive population. Subsequent field research has
confirmed through Panda census that the number of Panda in the wild has increased and is most likely
limited by available habitat. Wild populations are self limiting by the amount of habitat available and the
ex-situ captive population faces a singular future as a captive with little or no possibility of wild or
controlled release programs. Without further development or restoration of habitat the need or purpose of
increasing captive panda numbers remains unclear.
37. The future priority for the Panda conservation program therefore lies in the ability to extend the
area of suitable habitat to enable future numbers in the wild that will secure the population. There is scope
for the development of habitat programs within the whole Qinling Mountains landscape that can enable
either wild population increase or controlled reintroduction programs to be undertaken. However at this
stage there is only limited science on which to undertake ecological and habitat restoration and the current
set of Natural Forest laws prohibit intervention to assist restoration processes.
38. While progress in conservation management is making significant progress in the Qinling
Mountains there remain critical unresolved issues including
(a) Developing a professional cadre requires sustained operational funding. The Qinling protected
area system is outstanding in terms of its coverage of critically important habitats for Giant Panda and
many other, often globally threatened, species. This represents many years of difficult and painstaking
yet innovative work by many stakeholders to plan and establish various types of protected areas in one
ecosystem. SFD often with GEF support and WWF involvement have led this effort and deserve
recognition for their successes.
39. One detractor from the effectiveness of the protected area system is the limited frequency of
interaction between the many stakeholders. WWF has worked hard to involve more stakeholders in
management of the Qinling and these efforts have achieved positive results. However, there is a need for