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Technical Note

Observing the ecology and management of captive giant pandas in korea: a case of ex-situ success
Cher-Won Kang13†
,
Sang-Hwan Kim123*†
1General Graduate School of Animal life Convergence Science, Hankyong National University, Anseong 17579, Republic of Korea
2School of Animal Life Science, Hankyong National University, Anseong 17579, Republic of Korea
3Institute of Applied Humanimal Science, Hankyong National University, Anseong 17579, Republic of Korea
*Corresponding Author
†These authors contributed equally to this work.
30 June 2025. pp. 84-92
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Abstract

The giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) is a highly specialized member of the order Carnivora that exhibits an extreme herbivorous diet, characterized by low digestive efficiency, delayed implantation, and a narrow window of reproductive receptivity. This study comprehensively examines the species' morphological, ecological, reproductive, and dietary traits, with a particular focus on the success of panda conservation and breeding practices in the Republic of Korea. The results highlight the significance of the Everland Zoo in Yongin, Korea, which achieved successful natural breeding, including twin births, in a non-native setting, a rare accomplishment outside China. Key practices such as seasonal feeding of four types of domestically sourced bamboo, implementation of a wotou-based diet tailored to the panda’s pseudogenized T1R1 umami taste receptor gene, and cold-stored bamboo shoot supply experiments have contributed to Korea's effective panda management system. These efforts, combined with robust public engagement and ecological education programs, have positioned the giant panda not only as a conservation icon but also as a bridge to raise awareness about biodiversity and sustainability. Ultimately, panda conservation extends beyond population maintenance. It represents an integrative bio policy framework grounded in ecological, evolutionary, and behavioral understanding. The Korean case exemplifies a globally applicable model of sustainable ex-situ conservation and underscores the importance of localized, science-based strategies for endangered species management.

Keywords
Bamboo diet
Biodiversity
Delayed implantation
Ecological education
Gene loss
Giant panda
Korean breeding
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Information
  • Publisher :Journal of Humanimal Sciences
  • Publisher(Ko) :한경국립대학교 휴머니멀응용과학연구소
  • Journal Title :Journal of Humanimal Sciences
  • Journal Title(Ko) :휴머니멀과학학술지
  • Volume : 1
  • No :2
  • Pages :84-92
  • Received Date : 2025-06-04
  • Accepted Date : 2025-06-19
  • DOI :https://doi.org/10.23341/jhas.2025.1.2.84
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