Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) conservation programs have attracted significant funding and helped increase panda numbers. However, their effectiveness in achieving wider conservation goals is often doubted. This study evaluates the impact of giant panda reserves on the habitat suitability of 12 endangered species within 5 km of roads and assesses changes in human disturbances. Using data from the third and fourth national panda surveys and a matching approach, results show that these reserves enhance giant panda population density and habitat suitability, and benefit most wildlife species, particularly ungulates, with spillover effects improving adjacent areas' habitat suitability, likely due to reduced human disturbances. However, some species like the Chinese red panda (Ailurus styani) still gain limited protection. The findings stress the need for more targeted measures in the Giant Panda National Park's development. This multispecies study offers solid evidence for the effectiveness of giant panda conservation efforts and useful insights for protecting other flagship species.
Source: npj Biodiversity
Authors: Chi Xu, Xing Chen, Qiang Dai, Bing Yang, Bing Yang, Ke He, Zhisong Yang, Xiaodong Gu, Xuyu Yang, Biao Yang, Biao Yang, Lifeng Zhu
Language: English
Subfield: Ecology
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,050
OpenAlex ID: W4413916628