Update | In the black: China's wild panda population grew in past 10 years, new census finds
Survey finds population in the wild has risen by nearly 270 since 2003
Though reputed to be lazy at sex, wild giant pandas on the mainland have somehow managed to get in the mood - enough to bump up their numbers over the past decade.
According to a census by the State Forestry Administration released yesterday, the panda population has grown by 268, to a total of 1,864 since 2003.
The mainland began surveying its giant pandas in the 1970s. The latest census began in 2011 and was completed last year.
"The rise in the population of wild giant pandas is a victory for conservation and definitely one to celebrate," said Ginette Hemley, senior vice-president of wildlife conservation for WWF. Hemley credited efforts by the mainland government for the increase. The survey shows 1,246 wild giant pandas live within nature reserves.
The forestry administration said the country had set up 27 new preservation areas for giant pandas, contributing to the growth in their numbers.
"The survey result demonstrates the effectiveness of nature reserves in boosting wild giant panda numbers," said Xiaohai Liu, executive programme director for WWF-China.