DOWNGRADE AND UPGRADE
Last month, pandas were downgraded from "endangered" to "vulnerable" by International Union for Conservation of Nature.
"But this does not mean downgrading protection efforts," said Zhang at the conference. "We still face difficulties such as habitat fragmentation and isolation, so protection and the reintroduction program is definitely necessary."
In order to diversify the genetic pool of pandas, the CCRCGP and the Smithsonian Institution have carried out cooperative programs and bred the most diversified panda species in captivity.
"Releasing captive pandas back into the wild will bring diversified genes back to the wild," Zhang said.
To cope with difficulties in habitat fragmentation, experts have proposed the idea of building corridors connecting fragmented habitats, so that pandas can travel between habitats to find partners during mating season.
After fieldwork in panda habitats, Melissa Songer, expert at the Smithsonian's National Zoo, brought her team's plans to the conference
"We hope our work will help work out a plan to better preserve pandas' habitat," Songer said.
A plan to build a national park for giant pandas was proposed in August and has been submitted for approval, according to the Sichuan forestry department.
The giant panda is an "umbrella species," and the preservation of their habitat can help the survival of many other mammals, birds and amphibians in their region.
"Local patrol teams have seen snow leopards, red pandas and golden monkeys in our Wolong reserve," Zhang said.
"When you are protecting pandas, you are protecting other species as well," Wildt said. ( The CCRCGP is now mapping out an upgraded plan as well as seeking international cooperation.
A panda DNA archive is expected to be built to get a better grasp of pandas' genetic diversity, Zhang said.
Experts and organizations reached a consensus to establish a platform to track cooperative programs and share the latest research and conservation work on panda protection.
"We have much experience in releasing mammals back to the wild, and we will give the center advice on their reintroduction program," said Robert Wiese, chief life sciences officer at San Diego Zoo Global.
