More than four years ago, Wolong National Nature Reserve released the first photo of a white giant panda, which attracted widespread attention from the society. Researchers set up a special research group and carried out follow-up monitoring for four years, revealing some mysterious information about the world's only white giant panda.
DNA confirmed males
The results show that through the infrared camera image data transmitted in real time, it has been found that the tail of this white giant panda has the genital characteristics of male giant pandas a long time ago. However, to confirm their sex, researchers need genetic testing, which involves collecting feces or other biological samples from white pandas. This is not an easy task, as white pandas are found in high mountains and valleys, and the terrain is precarious, and the staff has to travel long distances to reach them. The activity area of white giant pandas is also quite extensive, and it is difficult to accurately collect fecal samples.
To solve this problem, the researchers used infrared camera technology transmitted in real time to monitor areas with frequent activity of white giant pandas. Once the camera captures its image, the staff will quickly go to collect fresh stool samples, and then send them to the relevant testing institutions for genetic sequencing analysis, and finally confirm that its sex is male.
In addition, the interaction of white pandas with other pandas has also piqued the researchers' interest. It is often found in the dense forests of the mountains of the Wolong Reserve, an area with a mild and humid climate and lush vegetation suitable for giant pandas. Photographs show white pandas once appearing alongside a mother and son giant pandas next to a tree hole, and this interaction does not usually occur between solitary animals and adult pandas. This also confirms the conclusion of male sex, because males in giant pandas are more likely to interact with other individuals.
The investigation continues to go deeper and will give us more information about the mysterious life of this white giant panda.