China's giant pandas are rebounding from the brink of extinction, thanks to an improved and expanded habitat, but they are not out of the woods yet, forestry officials say.
The first comprehensive Chinese study of the mammal since 1988 shows that nearly 1600 giant pandas now roam China's forests, and another
161 have been raised in captivity.
But pandas, known for their distinctive black and white markings, tree-climbing ability and for being finicky eaters, still face the danger of extinction.
They have a very specific diet, preferring the arrow bamboo, are prone to disease and have particular habitats.
Pandas are also notoriously difficult breeders and Chinese scientists have tried nearly everything to increase the population in captivity, including showing films of other pandas mating.
Herald Feature: Conservation and Environment
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