Physiology
Mother and cub
Perhaps it was due to previous unsuccessful breeding attempts in captivity that led to the misconception that pandas have low fecundity. However, that is both not the case and not the case anymore. Pandas in the wild have fecundity rates similar to that of other bears, and we have found more success in breeding in captivity today. One of the concerns raised is the psychological implications of our interventions in breeding. Pandas show certain mating behaviors to find mates, but when we use in vitro fertilization, does this affect the state of a panda, since it never really mated and got pregnant?
Another concern is whether captive pandas are able to make the transition into the wild. The reproductive parameters are similar to the wild populations 1, so we suspect that if integrated carefully, captive female pandas are able to reproduce and rear offspring on their own in the wild.
Return to the wild
Back to the bamboo forest?
It is rather controversial when pandas in captivity should be returned to the wild, since return prematurely could result in death and postmature return could result in conditioning of the panda to captive situations (can’t survive well in the wild). Research facilities are limited to lower elevations, so it might pose as a problem for pandas returning to the wild (where elevations are usually much higher). Pandas in captivity are well taken care of, so would it benefit pandas more to stay in captivity? However, the main reason for having them in captivity was hopes to return them to the wild, and help with wild populations.
Just for fun… See the resemblance? 😉
Po, from Kung Fu Panda
Captive panda climbing and showing its kung fu skills!
Photo credits to The Brit_2 (Flickr), filmmaker in japan (Flickr), and guano (Flickr)
1 Zhu, X., Lindburg, D.G., Pan, W., Forney, K.A., Wang, D. 2000. The reproductive strategy of giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca): infant growth and development and mother-infant relationships. Journal of Zoology (London) 253: 141-155.