Well, the debate on the future of giant pandas has been fully discussed in the press this month.
It all began with the article that Chris Packham a naturalist, published on September 22, 2009. He quickly did a follow-up article on the following day to clarify himself.
Then there were articles published in China as a response to Chris's articles and Pandas International Director, Suzanne Braden has written a response in the organizations newsletter that is sent via email. I will post a link to each of them here today so you can read over them.
It is always good to know how people feel on both sides of a debate. We can always learn from each other, even if we don't agree on the other persons point of view.
If there are comments listed below the articles, be sure to read them also. Remember, not everyone gets a chance to have their comments published into a complete article, but that does not mean their points are not as valid or any less important.
Thanks to bob2cleo of flickr for the photo of Xi Lan who just turned one, thanks to the dedicated staff at Zoo Atlanta.
The articles begin with these links.
"Let Pandas Die Out", says wildlife expert
BEAR RAIDShould pandas be left to face extinction?
Anti-Panda tirade of bat ban slammed
The following article is the response from Suzanne Braden from Pandas International sent via email.
Notes from Director Suzanne Braden
We have received many emails regarding the comments made by Chris Packham. Packham, who hosts Springwatch, a popular BBC nature show, said money spent trying to save the panda would be better invested in helping other species. Mr. Packham states, "The panda is a species of bear that has gone herbivorous and eats a type of food that isn't all that nutritious, and that dies out sporadically. It is susceptible to various diseases, and, up until recently, it has been almost impossible to breed in captivity. They've also got a very restricted range, which is ever decreasing, due to encroachment on their habitat by the Chinese population. Perhaps the panda was already destined to run out of time." As someone who has devoted her life to the pandas, I strongly disagree with his conclusions and some of what he said was incorrect and needs to be noted as such. Pandas have survived since the ice age and the first fossils were found in Pleistocene sediment so it is odd to conclude they are destined to run out of time. Yes, they are basically herbivores but pandas in the wild do quite well with a food source that is available and an integrated part of their habitat. "Almost impossible to breed in captivity?" Mr. Packham should read our emails about the cubs born so far this year and how this year could very well be record setting. Giant Pandas living in the wild seem to reproduce adequately and with unprecedented advances in research, captive breeding strategies and a major focus on safe and efficient reintroduction protocols, the future seems to mandate renewed effort for preservation, not giving up and letting this species die out. As to punctuate this point, Guo Guo, the first to give birth following the earthquake, has once again produced a set of twins, bringing the total to 16 cubs at the Bifengxia Center and there are still more cubs to come. Human encroachment has and continues to be a major problem but not simply for pandas. With greater frequency, citizens and their governments are realizing the value of wildlife and are devising ways to make animal populations more sustainable. People around the globe are taking to heart the notion that if they are part of the problem, they need to be part of the solution. So that said – let’s use this opportunity to focus on our beloved pandas and what we can do—despite Mr. Packham’s ill advised statements—to save them. And right now the most important thing is milk for all those very much alive babies "born in captivity." Please click here to make a donation to our formula fund >> Suzanne
