Credits: Journal for Nature Conservation Volume 19, Issue 4
The main causes for the fragmentation of the panda's habitat will be human activities and our transport. Also tourism from the southern part of Jiuzhai county affects the giant pandas' habitat. The construction of the future railway between Chengdu and Gansu by the end of 2014 (Chengdu Government Website 2009) will definitely cause more harm to their habitat. Thus, immediate action has to be taken to adjust the zones of each habitat so as to prevent further fragmentation.
Cr: Journal for Nature Conservation Volume 19, Issue 4 (Nature reserve group planning for conservation of giant pandas in North Minshan, China)
It is sad to see that the pandas are not united! I would really look forward in seeing the pandas becoming united again! However, I don't think I would be able to see that day so soon after reading this article.): Well, but I believe that we should not give up on hopes as they must have made plans for the pandas.
ReplyDelete-Lin Wei
How does tourism affect the pandas?
ReplyDeleteHi Sophia! Thanks for your question :)
ReplyDeleteTourism will require the construction on roads and hotels for the tourists to travel and live conveniently. In order to make space for the roads and buildings, the government will have to clear some of the bamboo forests, which is the giant panda's habitat.
In addition, there will be more pollution at the giant panda's habitat (e.g. litter, car exhaust fumes) which I'm sure isn't healthy for the pandas. They might choke on the litter and die! :'(
-ZZ
1. What do you think about eco-tourism?
ReplyDelete2. Do you think that eco-tourism can improve the current situation? Why/Why not?
-Lin Wei
Hi Lin Wei,
Delete1. Eco-tourism allows the traveler to go to a endangered or undisturbed location and be educated about the areas (in terms of the physical landscape and cultural characteristics, and often provides funds for conservation and benefits the economic development of places that are in poverty), so I'm not against it or anything :)
2. Well, it can to a certain extend. As people travel to the Wolong Nature Reserve for example, they learn about the plight of the giant pandas, what is being done currently and how they can help. However, if the tourists were to litter or make a lot of noise, then it wouldn't help in improving the current situation.
-ZZ
I see. What do you think can be done to ensure that pandas are not effected by the tourists? Why? Are there any cases in which pandas are affected by the tourists? If yes, how are they affected?
Delete-Lin Wei
Well, the most basic and simplest way is to ban tourism at nature reserves. Afterall, a nature reserve is not built for people to view giant pandas. When we ban tourism at nature reserves, it naturally solves all the problems of pollution, overcrowding etc.
DeleteI read from a newspaper article online (I can't find the link anymore sorry!) that there was this group of STUDENTS (yes students) who paid a total of $300+ just to get pictures taken with the panda. They were using flash photography and the panda was visibly uncomfortable. From the article, when pandas are placed in an environment they are not familiar in or not what Mother Nature has planned for them, they are highly prone to have behavioural deficiencies. I'm not too sure what kind of defiencies they will have, but one of them could be not being able to mate, which will further worsen the situation!
-ZZ
What kind of actions should be taken to prevent further fragmentation?
ReplyDelete- Alicia
Well, firstly we need to stop tourism at the nature reserves. There will definitely be pollution (land, water and noise). Also, where there are tourists, roads and buildings will have to be constructed for their convenience. After this crucial step is done, not only will the pandas' habitats be protected against further fragmentation, but they will also be ensured that their behaviour does not change. (studies have shown that human interference affects giant panda's behaviour).
Delete-ZZ