A team of Chinese zoologists has identified the genetic source responsible for the rare brown and white coat of some giant pandas, shedding light on a long-standing mystery in wildlife biology.
The first brown panda was discovered in 1985 in the Qinling Mountains of northwest China’s Shaanxi Province. Since then, all recorded sightings of wild brown pandas have been within this region. Most notably, a male brown-and-white panda named Qizai, born in 2009, has become emblematic of this rare genetic variation.
Researchers from the Institute of Zoology under the Chinese Academy of Sciences conducted genomic sequencing on three panda families connected to Qizai, along with 29 other black-and-white pandas. Their study revealed that a mutation in a specific gene is responsible for the unique brown coloration found in these pandas.
“Our findings indicate that the brown-and-white pandas represent a unique subpopulation isolated in the Qinling Mountains,” said the lead researcher. “The genetic mutation affecting their coat color is a result of both genetic drift and inbreeding within this isolated population.”
The Qinling Mountains serve as a natural barrier, contributing to the genetic divergence of pandas in the region. This discovery not only provides insights into the genetic diversity of giant pandas but also has significant implications for their conservation.
“Understanding the genetic makeup of these pandas helps us develop more effective conservation strategies,” the researcher added. “Protecting the genetic diversity within panda populations is crucial for the species’ long-term survival.”
Giant pandas are a national treasure in China and are classified as a vulnerable species. Efforts to conserve their habitats and increase their populations have been ongoing, with research playing a key role in these initiatives.
The study highlights the importance of genetic research in wildlife conservation and opens new avenues for studying other rare genetic traits in isolated animal populations.
Reference(s):
Why did some pandas turn brown? Scientists found the key gene
cgtn.com
