Why should we save the giant panda？

Giant pandas are a conservation-dependent species requiring eternal vigilance. A 2007 report shows 239 pandas living in captivity inside China and another 27 outside the country. As of December 2014, 49 giant pandas live in captivity outside China, living in 18 zoos in 13 different countries. Wild population estimates vary; one estimate shows that there are about 1,590 individuals living in the wild, while a 2006 study via DNA analysis estimated that this figure could be as high as 2,000 to 3,000. Some reports also show that the number of giant pandas in the wild is on the rise. In March 2015, Mongabay stated the wild giant panda population increased by 268, or 16.8%, totaling to 1,864 individuals. However, the IUCN does not believe there is enough certainty yet to reclassify the species from endangered to vulnerable.

Deforestation has been primarily responsible for the giant panda's decline. Other threats could be human encroachment, fragmentation of their habitat, illness and predators.
 
The Chinese government started focus on giant panda conservation since 1930s. To protect wild panda habitat, there are in total 55 nature reserves established, including Wolong National Nature Reserve, Dujiangyan nature reserve and Wanglang National Nature Reserve.
 

Steps of Chinese Government

1. 1939, the government of Sichuan briefly forbade the capture of giant pandas. It was perhaps the first wildlife conservation regulation in china. 

2. 1946, a Chinese newspaper voiced fears that the market would drive giant panda into extinction.

3. 1949, when People’s Republic of China established , the government allowed no panda exports for nearly a decade

4. 1962, Chinese government explicitly addressed issues of giant panda conservation when giant panda were protected and hunting is banned.

5. 1963, the first three giant panda reserves were established, growing to 13 by 1989 and to more than 60 today.

6. Later on, in Tangjiahe Reserve, an entire logging operation was shut down and the farming commune that supported it resettled. 

 
Protection is critical for the giant panda’s survival, but alone it is not enough. Local communities eat away at panda habitat, as does logging. Political inattention threatens giant pandas. All of us can threaten giant pandas if we are not sensitive to the environmental impact of our own habits. Cooperation and understanding at all levels—global, national and within each village affected by and affecting the giant panda’s recovery—are the decisive factors in sustaining and restoring panda habitat.
 
Why should we save the giant panda?

Giant pandas are a conservation-dependent species requiring eternal vigilance. A 2007 report shows 239 pandas living in captivity inside China and another 27 outside the country. As of December 2014, 49 giant pandas live in captivity outside China, living in 18 zoos in 13 different countries. Wild population estimates vary; one estimate shows that there are about 1,590 individuals living in the wild, while a 2006 study via DNA analysis estimated that this figure could be as high as 2,000 to 3,000. Some reports also show that the number of giant pandas in the wild is on the rise. In March 2015, Mongabay stated the wild giant panda population increased by 268, or 16.8%, totaling to 1,864 individuals. However, the IUCN does not believe there is enough certainty yet to reclassify the species from endangered to vulnerable.

Deforestation has been primarily responsible for the giant panda's decline. Other threats could be human encroachment, fragmentation of their habitat, illness and predators.
 
 For more information about Giant panda's Status on the IUCN red list
http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/712/0
 
The Chinese government started focus on giant panda conservation since 1930s. To protect wild panda habitat, there are in total 55 nature reserves established, including Wolong National Nature Reserve, Dujiangyan nature reserve and Wanglang National Nature Reserve.

Steps of Chinese Government

1. 1939, the government of Sichuan briefly forbade the capture of giant pandas. It was perhaps the first wildlife conservation regulation in china. 

2. 1946, a Chinese newspaper voiced fears that the market would drive giant panda into extinction.

3. 1949, when People’s Republic of China established , the government allowed no panda exports for nearly a decade

4. 1962, Chinese government explicitly addressed issues of giant panda conservation when giant panda were protected and hunting is banned.

5. 1963, the first three giant panda reserves were established, growing to 13 by 1989 and to more than 60 today.

6. Later on, in Tangjiahe Reserve, an entire logging operation was shut down and the farming commune that supported it resettled. 

Protection is critical for the giant panda’s survival, but alone it is not enough. Local communities eat away at panda habitat, as does logging. Political inattention threatens giant pandas. All of us can threaten giant pandas if we are not sensitive to the environmental impact of our own habits. Cooperation and understanding at all levels—global, national and within each village affected by and affecting the giant panda’s recovery—are the decisive factors in sustaining and restoring panda habitat.