Zhang Yue, the second-level inspector of the Animal and Flora Department of the National Forestry and Grassland Administration, said at a press conference held on the 25th that China has carried out cooperative research on giant panda protection with 20 countries. By the end of 2023, giant pandas living abroad will There are 56 animals in total.

Zhang Yue said that the total wild population of giant pandas in China has increased from 20 to 20. In the 1980s, the number of giant pandas increased from about 1,100 to nearly 1,900. The effectiveness of giant panda protection was recognized by the international wildlife conservation community. The International Union for Conservation of Nature adjusted the threat level of giant pandas from "endangered" to "vulnerable".

In terms of international cooperation, Zhang Yue introduced that since the 1990s, China has carried out giant panda research projects with 26 institutions in 20 countries including Japan, South Korea, Russia, the United States, Austria, Thailand, and Spain. Through cooperative research in conservation, 41 litters of 68 giant panda cubs have been successfully bred so far. As of the end of 2023, the total number of giant pandas living abroad is 56.

In order to increase the protection and supervision of giant pandas traveling abroad, since 2023, China’s State Forestry and Grassland Administration has organized relevant units to conduct on-site inspections and evaluations of 23 overseas cooperation institutions in 19 countries to achieve Full coverage of assessment of living conditions of all overseas giant pandas.

Zhang Yue said that based on the inspection and evaluation, various cooperative agencies It generally meets the requirements in terms of venue construction, feeding and care, and disease prevention and control measures. The health status of giant pandas traveling abroad is generally good, and some elderly giant pandas in poor health have also received proper diagnosis, treatment and good care. In 2023, in accordance with the requirements of the cooperation agreement, China arranged for the orderly return of 17 mature giant pandas that were delayed due to the COVID-19 epidemic. The two parties actively made relevant transportation arrangements to ensure that every overseas giant panda arrived in China safely and securely. .

Zhang Yue pointed out that the next step will be to further improve the international cooperation and management mechanism for giant pandas, carry out daily health monitoring and on-site inspection and evaluation on a regular basis, strengthen supervision and management, and do a good job in the management and protection of giant pandas traveling abroad.