Joining us today, we have Jason Lee from the Wo Long Nature Sanctuary here to talk to us about giant pandas.0:05
So, tell us a bit about the sanctuary, Jason.0:15
Was it created solely for pandas?0:18
Well, the purpose of the sanctuary is to protect the 6,000 species of wildlife native to the Wo Long area.0:21
This includes plant life as well as rare animals, such as the snow leopard.0:27
Since the giant panda is an endangered species, we are especially worried about them.0:32
There are less than 1,000 of them left in the wild, and that number has been falling over the years.0:37
And why is this happening?0:42
Well, in the past pandas were hunted for their fur, but today the problem is that a panda needs vast quantities of bamboo in order to live.0:44
When the bamboo plant naturally dies off in one area, pandas simply moved to another area to feed.0:52
Unfortunately, these days human settlements have divided the forest.0:58
This means that when the bamboo in one area dies out, pandas can't reach new sources.1:02
Is anything being done about this issue?1:09
Yes, we've been planting corridors of bamboo.1:12
These corridors aren't designed to provide food, but to join up the forests.1:15
Instead of being narrow strips of land, they're large bamboo plantations that contain farms and houses as well.1:20
Since people live in these areas, we've had to teach them how to live alongside pandas without disturbing them.1:27
Now I understand the reserve is also breeding pandas in captivity.1:34
In general, I don't believe wild animals should be kept in captivity.1:40
However, in the case of the panda, they need our help in order to restore their numbers.1:43
If we just left wild pandas alone, they would slowly become extinct.1:48
And is it true that tourists can visit these captive pandas?1:53
Well, the pandas have attracted so much attention that tour groups do visit.1:57
People want to learn more about the panda, and coming to the sanctuary is an excellent way to do that.2:02
However, we're not here for tourism.2:08
In the long run, we hope to free these pandas into the wild.2:10
Now, living in the wild is a lot different from living in the sanctuary.2:14
What kinds of things do you need to teach the pandas before they can be released?2:18
Well, they don't need to hunt as they eat mostly bamboo, but they do need to learn to mark and guard their own territory.2:23
Although pandas have no natural predators, other pandas can pose a threat.2:30
So, where do you plan to release the pandas?2:34
There are some parts of the forest where pandas used to live but no longer inhabit.2:37
I think it's best to release them into these areas.2:42
That way, pandas can repopulate the forest safe from any threats.2:45
Well, good luck in releasing these pandas, Jason.2:50
Thanks for coming on the show.2:53
It's been a pleasure.2:54
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