Today there are approximately 40 panda reserves across Southwestern China. Some are Nature Reserves providing a safe habitat for wild Giant Pandas, like a National Park Other reserves protect the wild Giant Pandas while having scientific research centers to study their behavior and for breeding captive Giant Pandas.
Purpose of the Panda Reserves
- Protect the forest or habitat of the Giant Pandas
- Protect bamboo, the Giant Pandas’ major food source
- Provide corridors for Giant Panda migrations between habitat areas
- Patrol the reserves to prevent poaching and logging
- Patrol the reserves to search for sick or injured Giant Pandas
- Take sick or injured Giant Pandas to nearest panda hospital for care
- Conduct research on Giant Panda behavior, mating, breeding, diseases, etc.
- Educate tourists and visitors about Giant Panda protection
- Support communities adjacent to the reserves to minimize the need to use the Giant Panda habitat for their livelihood
- Educate local residents about the value of conserving the Giant Pandas and how tourism to the region is beneficial