In the lush bamboo forests of Sichuan Province, a quiet revolution is unfolding. Field monitors recently recorded 185 wild giant pandas in the region’s expanding national parks—a notable increase from 178 sightings last year—marking a milestone in China’s ambitious conservation efforts.
The findings, announced at the 3rd National Park Forum in Chengdu, underscore the success of China’s decade-long push to create the world’s largest national park network. Covering 230,000 square kilometers across 49 sites, the system prioritizes habitat connectivity and species protection, with the giant panda serving as its flagship success story.
"This isn’t just about pandas," explained Dr. Li Wei, an ecologist at the forum. "By protecting entire ecosystems, we’re seeing rebounds in snow leopards, Tibetan antelopes, and crested ibises. It’s a blueprint for balancing biodiversity with sustainable development."
Analysts note the parks’ economic impact, with eco-tourism revenue in Sichuan’s panda corridors growing 12% annually. Meanwhile, international researchers are studying China’s AI-powered wildlife monitoring systems, now adopted in 15 parks.
As construction begins on three new parks in 2024, conservationists worldwide watch how China’s model could reshape global wildlife preservation strategies.
