The China Giant Panda Garden in Wolong [Photo by Xu Jun]

As a rare and endangered species, giant pandas rely on a specific set of natural environmental factors for their survival.

Research shows that giant pandas prefer to live in areas where tall trees are abundant, bamboo forests have moderate density, the terrain is relatively flat, and forest gaps are present. These regions should also be far from human activities and have ample water sources. Such environments not only provide them with rich food resources but also ensure the relative stability of their home range. The home range of giant pandas varies depending on the natural environment and food resources in different mountain systems. Female giant pandas generally occupy an area of about 3 to 5 square kilometers, while males require larger areas, ranging from 6 to 9 square kilometers.

Currently, the giant pandas' habitats are primarily concentrated along the eastern edge of the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau, the mountains of western Sichuan, the Gannan Mountains, and the Qinling Mountains. These areas cover approximately 2.58 million hectares across Sichuan, Shaanxi, and Gansu provinces. According to data from China's Fourth National Survey on Giant Pandas, these habitats are divided into 33 patches, many of which are small and severely fragmented. Especially in patches smaller than 100 square kilometers, the panda populations are often fewer than ten, putting them at extremely high risk of extinction.

Protecting giant pandas and their habitats has become a widely accepted societal consensus. Moving forward, it is essential to further strengthen scientific research, increase conservation efforts, and reduce human disturbances in panda habitats. (By Lv Fengyao and Yan Fei)