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Comprehensive Breeding Techniques for the Giant Panda

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Reproductive Sciences in Animal Conservation

Part of the book series: Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology ((AEMB,volume 1200))

Abstract

The dramatic growth of the captive giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) population exemplifies how the application of scientific findings to animal care and reproductive management can improve conservation breeding outcomes. Detailed behavioral studies of giant panda estrus, pregnancy and cub rearing have demonstrated the importance of husbandry management that supports natural reproductive behavior to enhance breeding success. Natural breeding has been valuably augmented by the development of assisted reproductive techniques founded through detailed studies of the reproductive physiology of the giant panda and outlining fundamental information about reproductive seasonality, male fertility and characterization of the estrous cycle. The resultant holistic understanding of giant panda reproduction has improved reproductive success in the captive population to such an extent that it is now self-sustaining and provides surplus animals for reintroduction. Despite these significant advances, there are knowledge gaps and remaining challenges to be addressed. Pregnancy detection remains the single biggest challenge when determining if natural mating or assisted breeding have been successful. Because pregnancy can only be determined in the few weeks prior to parturition, there are gaps in understanding and detecting delayed implantation and early embryonic loss. Additionally, dynamic management practices and standard of care for reproductive assistance needs to be developed. Only large breeding centers in China have the ability to promote normal reproductive behaviors and allow mate choice for the giant panda. These challenges need to be addressed in the near future in order to maintain a self-sustaining, genetically diverse and behaviorally competent captive population. This chapter documents the development of successful giant panda managed breeding programs by focusing on three key areas, (1) the development of science-driven reproductive techniques to improve fecundity in a species where the mating system was poorly understood, (2) how targeted research and adaptive management of social settings surrounding estrus and breeding improved reproductive success, and (3) insights and solutions to challenges faced across the program’s history with future directions for research.

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Acknowledgements

The success of the giant panda managed breeding program has been achieved through the dedication and support of numerous scientific collaborators, undergraduate and post-graduate students and zoological institutions. We are extremely grateful for the contribution and support of all the staff at the Chinese Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda, the Chengdu Giant Panda Base, San Diego Zoo, and the Smithsonian National Zoo.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. PDXWildlife, Portland, OR, USA

    Meghan S. Martin-Wintle & Nathan J. P. Wintle

  2. Institute for Conservation Research, San Diego Zoo Global, Escondido, CA, USA

    Meghan S. Martin-Wintle, Megan A. Owen & Ronald R. Swaisgood

  3. College of Veterinary Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, USA

    David C. Kersey

  4. Chicago Zoological Society, Brookfield, IL, USA

    Copper Aitken-Palmer

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  1. Meghan S. Martin-Wintle
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  2. David C. Kersey
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  3. Nathan J. P. Wintle
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  4. Copper Aitken-Palmer
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  5. Megan A. Owen
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  6. Ronald R. Swaisgood
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Meghan S. Martin-Wintle .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, Washington, DC, USA

    Pierre Comizzoli

  2. Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, Front Royal, VA, USA

    Janine L. Brown

  3. Academic Unit of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK

    William V. Holt

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Martin-Wintle, M.S., Kersey, D.C., Wintle, N.J.P., Aitken-Palmer, C., Owen, M.A., Swaisgood, R.R. (2019). Comprehensive Breeding Techniques for the Giant Panda. In: Comizzoli, P., Brown, J., Holt, W. (eds) Reproductive Sciences in Animal Conservation. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, vol 1200. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-23633-5_10

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