Artificial Dens Attract Wild Pandas in Sichuan Park, Boosting Conservation Efforts

Infrared cameras have captured remarkable footage of wild pandas interacting with man-made dens within the Meishan section of the Giant Panda National Park in Sichuan province. The images reveal pandas exploring and utilizing these artificial structures in their natural environment.

The dens were constructed as part of an experiment aimed at assisting wild pandas with reproduction. Staff members discovered over two dozen images of pandas at three designated artificial den sites. Based on the pandas' sizes and locations, researchers believe the photos represent at least two or three different pandas.

To facilitate panda reproduction, researchers built five artificial dens in Meishan using natural materials such as deadwood, moss, and bamboo branches. The cameras, which did not support real-time monitoring, captured the images, which were only discovered upon retrieving the memory cards.

The cameras also documented other wildlife, including tufted deer, wild boars, red pandas, and black bears, visiting and even inhabiting the dens. Giant pandas typically seek out tree hollows, caves, or rock crevices for dens. However, these natural sites are scarce in this section of the park.

The park initiated a pilot research program with the Giant Panda Small Population Conservation Alliance to construct man-made dens for the pandas. The Meishan section, spanning 512 square kilometers, is home to 13 wild giant pandas. A female captive panda was released into the wild in 2023 and also resides in this area.

Plans are underway to build five more artificial dens and five watering locations. These facilities will benefit both giant pandas and other wildlife. Future plans include installing infrared cameras with real-time data transmission to monitor wildlife activity at the den sites.

The frequent appearance of pandas in the images suggests that the artificial dens have been preliminarily accepted by the pandas. Further monitoring is needed to determine if the pandas will use them for breeding.

The research program aims to create more breeding sites and shelters for isolated small panda groups to help increase their populations. The wild giant panda population is divided into 33 groups, with 22 at risk of extinction due to their small numbers. The alliance has supported the construction of approximately 40 artificial dens since 2021.