The Chinese government has some good news for panda lovers.
A new survey by China’s State Forestry Administration indicates that the wild giant panda population has grown to 1,864, representing an increase of 268 pandas since 2003. The number of giant pandas in captivity also doubled.
The census, which took some three years to complete, reflects the country’s commitment to protecting an animal with a lot of obstacles against it: Pandas are slow to reproduce and historically have been a target for poachers, and, per the census, now have 832 miles of roads running through their habitats. China’s 27 preserves for pandas account for the growth.
[NBC News]
What Life Is Like for America's Most Famous Panda Cub
Abby Wood—Smithsonian's National Zoo
Abby Wood—Smithsonian's National Zoo
Abby Wood—Smithsonian's National Zoo
Abby Wood—Smithsonian's National Zoo
Abby Wood—Smithsonian's National Zoo
Paul J. Richards—AFP/Getty Images
Matt McClain—The Washington Post/Getty Images
Paul J. Richards—AFP/Getty Images
Matt McClain—The Washington Post/Getty Images
Connor Mallon—Smithsonian's National Zoo
Courtney Janney—Smithsonian's National Zoo
Abby Wood—Smithsonian's National Zoo
Abby Wood—Smithsonian's National Zoo
Abby Wood—Smithsonian's National Zoo
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