DNA and other tests by wild animal experts have proved the
existence of an independent panda community in the Zhile Natural
Protection Zone of China's southwest
Sichuan Province.
Experts from the Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, where the zone
is located, carried out the tests on Feb. 28 and confirmed that the
9 to 11 pandas in the zone belonged to a community different from
those in three other zones in Minshan, Qionglai Mountain and the
southern slope of Qinling Mountains.
The pandas in the zone share similar appearance, living habits and
genetic make-up, according to the tests.
A
13-member research group had previously spent years on repeated
site investigations of the pandas' environment, numbers, food base
and group survival ability.
(Xinhua News Agency March 8, 2003)