Giant pandas are no longer endangered, but they are still vulnerable, Chinese officials have said after years of conservation efforts as their number in the wild has reached 1,800.
As per reports, the country succeeded in saving its iconic animal through its long-term conservation efforts, including the expansion of habitats.
The latest classification upgrade “reflects their improved living conditions and China’s efforts in keeping their habitats integrated”, said Cui Shuhong, head of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment’s Department of Nature and Ecology Conservation at a news conference.
The news comes years after the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) had already removed the animal from its endangered species list and re-labeled it as “vulnerable” in 2016.
However, Chinese officials at that time did not consider the progress, saying that it could make people believe that conservation efforts could be relaxed.
This week’s announcement by China’s environmental ministry is the first time the animal’s status was changed on its endangered species list.
Experts have said that the success is mainly due to Chinese efforts to recreate and repopulate bamboo forests. Bamboo makes up 99 per cent of their diet, without which they are likely to starve.
Zoos have also attempted to increase numbers via captive breeding methods.
