So here’s the summary and thoughts of the article:
There are still 1 600 pandas in 2004 based on a survey which means that there’s still hope for the survival of pandas! Secondly, there have been an increasing number of nature reserves from a mere 13 in the past to over 50 nature reserves currently for the pandas. This is a significant increase in the number of nature reserves, which probably shows that efforts put in to address this issue are effective. Hence, people are more willing to fork out money to build these nature reserves. Doesn’t that sound good? Anyway, back to what I was saying, another reason why we should be more optimistic, Carrefour, a food retail in Europe, has worked with the WWF to provide people with alternative foods instead of poaching and harvesting Chinese herbs, affecting the panda’s habitat. Before the start of July 2006, WWF provided people living near nature reserves with more energy efficient systems so that the number of fuel-wood harvested from forests would be reduced. With that being said, it means that the risk of loss of habitat worsening is reduced. Better and more efficient patrolling system have been improvised so that the chances of illegal poaching and logging would be reduced. Ecotourism* have also been strongly encouraged. Lastly, more bamboos (200 ha) were planted. This would provide panda with more bamboos, reducing the chances of pandas dying due to the lack of nutrition.
*Ecotourism - responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people
After reading all of these, I feel that we should be more optimistic in the conservation of pandas. Instead of looking at the darker side, we should look at the brighter side, as it will give us more motivation in conserving pandas.
Woah! :D I think it is really commendable that Carrefour involves itself in the conservation of giant pandas! It shows that the organisation is not materialistic and cares for wildlife too. Also, since Carrefour has already taken the first step into the conservation of wildlife, I'm sure many other food retails wll follow suit :)
ReplyDeleteLike what Lin Wei has mentioned, the statistics shows that all the effort put in by the various organisations and government has paid off. If we can continue to be so successful, I am positive that the giant pandas will be off the list of endangered animals! But of course, we all must have a positive attitude! Let's do our part to save the pandas! :D
-Zhou Zhou
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ReplyDeleteYeah but even if more nature reserves are built, how will the scientists encourage the pandas to reproduce? I don't think increasing the nature reserves alone will help slow the rate of the extinction of Giant Pandas.
ReplyDeleteI do not think that the scientists can do anything to encourage the pandas to reproduce. Especially when China is not very willing to disclose about certain information about pandas due to some reasons, international biologists will be facing a lot of problems in figuring out how they can help, for they have little experience with pandas. However, I think that by having more nature reserves it will also encourage and promote the conservation efforts made. This is crucial as we need the support of people in order for the government and other organisation to come out with plans.
ReplyDelete-Lin Wei
You mentioned that the number of nature reserves increase from 13 to over 50 now. Why do you think the government is supporting the establishment of these reserves?
ReplyDelete-ZZ
The Chinese government could foresee that these pandas will be able to bring more profit economically since tourists will be interested to see the pandas, hence, going to China. Other than that, they saw the importance in conserving pandas for pandas are China's 'treasure'.
Delete-Lin Wei
I see...do you think the government values the profit that they get or the giant pandas more? What I mean is like which is the more important factor that drives them in your opinion? :)
Delete-ZZ
In my opinion, they're more concern about the survival of the pandas since pandas have been China's 'treasure' since ancient times. Hence, by preserving these pandas, it also means that they're trying to conserve their heritage. As you know, heritage of a country is important.
Delete-Lin Wei