Ecological Corridor for the Reunion of Giant Pandas

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Giant Panda
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The Qinling landscape supports a large population of Giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca). In the 1970s National Road 108 was constructed through the previously intact forest, splitting the panda populations apart into distinct groups in the east and west. The eastern subgroup of pandas is at high risk of extinction. Habitat fragmentation like this limits resources and genetic movement for both groups of pandas. In 2000 a tunnel was built by the government to accommodate the new road and the opportunity to reconnect the panda population. The old roads, above ground, were closed so that habitat could be re-established. In 2003 the Shaanxi Guanyinshan Nature Reserve was legally established, and in 2005 the World Wildlife Fund together with the reserve launched the G108 Qinling vehicle tunnel corridor restoration project. The main activities of the project included baseline surveys of the panda population, bamboo plantings to improve habitat quality, local community engagement and wildlife monitoring. 

 

Last update: 09 Oct 2023
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Context
Challenges addressed
Ecosystem loss
Infrastructure development
Scale of implementation
Local
Ecosystems
Temperate deciduous forest
Temperate evergreen forest
Theme
Habitat fragmentation and degradation
Species management
Infrastructure maintenance
Location
Zhouzhi Nature Reserve
Guanyinshan Nature Reserve
East Asia
Impacts

The construction of the tunnel and diversion of traffic has allowed for panada populations to be reunited within the protected ecological corridor. A survey of socio-economic status of local communities within the landscape along with a survey of the ecosystem allowed for a more effective management plan. Providing support and education to local households and demonstrating sustainable landscape practices improved habitat conservation and kept the surrounding community involved.

 

Giant pandas have been documented in the ecological corridor, which includes land on top of the road tunnel and the surrounding lands connecting the core areas. The ecological distance between the subgroups has been reduced and is now shorter than the daily activity range of a panda. The number of mammal and pheasant species found in the corridor has increased from zero to 15 as shown by wildlife monitoring within the corridor. The surrounding area has also seen positive impacts thanks to the redirection of traffic underground and the creation of the ecological corridor.

Sustainable Development Goals
SDG 9 – Industry, innovation and infrastructure
SDG 15 – Life on land
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