RapportFondation 2025 V02 EN light - Flipbook - Page 58
Supporting SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH
2024 REPORT
CHINA
EUROPE
LET’S HELP giant pandas
ENSURE THEIR LEGACY
AMOUNT COMMITTED TO DATE: €11,265,780
2014 > PRESENT
The giant panda, once widespread in southern and eastern
China, is now confined to small, isolated areas of forest,
predominantly in six mountain ranges in southwest China, as
a result of habitat degradation caused by human activity. With
only 1,864 individuals remaining in the wild, conservation
of this species is essential. Reproduction is difficult, however,
owing to the panda’s short annual fertility period, embryonic
diapause phenomena and frequent foetal losses, the mechanics
of which largely remain a mystery. To support conservation
efforts, zoos are striving to enhance reproductive success and
maximize genetic diversity.
From 2018 to 2021, the Pairi Daiza Foundation funded a
research project led by Dr Jella Wauters to develop pregnancy
tests, understand the signals regulating embryonic diapause and predict the fertility period in pandas. The research
involved collecting biological samples and carefully observing the pandas’ behaviour. The international conservation
programme for the giant panda, led by China for more than 30 years, includes initiatives such as breeding in
dedicated centres, habitat restoration and the creation of ecological corridors and reserves. These measures have
helped increase the population of wild pandas from 1,200 in the 1980s to more than 1,800 today. Obviously we
need to continue these efforts!
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