The wild giant panda population in northwest China's Zhouzhi National Nature Reserve is flourishing, with a notable increase in their activity range, traces left behind, and the frequency of encounters in the wild, according to a latest field survey.

Recently, a survey team composed of both scientific researchers and local wood rangers has conducted monitoring and survey work on wild giant pandas within the reserve, aiming at providing more scientific evidence and effective measures for the conservation of wild pandas and their habitats.
"Along a 6-km transect line, we found a total of 18 giant panda fecal samples. What's more valuable is that we encountered four actual giant pandas along the line. Both the rates are relatively higher when compared to other similar habitats of giant pandas," said Gong Minghao, a research fellow at the Institute of Wetland Research of the Chinese Academy of Forestry (CAF).
The survey team also discovered that the wild giant pandas in this nature reserve are in good health, and their distribution range is steadily expanding.
"From the giant panda fecal samples we have collected, we found that each sample site had over ten fecal piles, with some having as many as over 30. This suggests that the pandas' food intake and bowel movements are ideal, indicating that they are in good health. In addition, we observed an expansion in giant pandas' distribution area. When we compared their current habitat's elevation with data we already had, we found that it's about 100 meters lower on average," said Gong.
Researchers explained that wild giant pandas in the region are busy searching for mate during the ongoing mating season, which increases the chances of encountering them.
Cubs and sub-adult pandas are more easily to be spotted sunbathing on treetops, which helps dry off moisture on their fur, according to Gong.
"Panda cubs are often seen on trees for two main reasons. Firstly, they are lighter, so it's easier for them to climb up a tree than adult pandas do. Secondly, they are more sensitive to the surrounding environment, especially in the morning when their fur get damp (after the night when moisture has accumulated on their bodies). They climb trees to dry off quickly and feel comfortable. So, when the sun rises in the morning, they will enjoy sunbathing on trees to stay warm and cozy," he added.