Ecological Corridor for the Reunion of Giant Pandas

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by IUCN WCPA Connectivity Conservation Specialist Group, IUCN WCPA Connectivity Conservation Specialist Group

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.