Changes of foraging patch selection and utilization by a giant panda after bamboo flowering

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Wildlife Conservation
• Animal Behavior

Background:

• Bamboo flowering synchrony causes habitat fragmentation and reduces food quality for giant pandas.
• Limited empirical data exists on giant panda responses to widespread bamboo flowering events.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate giant panda activity, habitat use, and bamboo stand selection during the *Fargesia qinlingensis* flowering period.
• To understand giant panda adaptation strategies in response to declining bamboo quality.

Main Methods:

• Conducted a 3-year field study (September 2013-May 2016) in Taibaishan National Nature Reserve, China.
• Monitored bamboo stand characteristics, giant panda activity patterns, and analyzed panda droppings.
• Correlated bamboo flowering proportion with giant panda spatial behavior and habitat abandonment.

Main Results:

• The proportion of flowering *Fargesia qinlingensis* increased from 26.7% in 2013 to 52.3% in 2015.
• Flowering bamboo exhibited lower crude protein and higher crude fiber content.
• Giant pandas continued to consume flowering bamboo but relocated to higher elevations when flowering exceeded 69.2%.

Conclusions:

• Giant pandas abandoned feeding sites when bamboo flowering reached a threshold of 56.9-69.2%, indicating a critical decline in food quality.
• Giant pandas demonstrate behavioral plasticity in foraging and spatial movements to cope with bamboo flowering impacts.
• Understanding these adaptive strategies is crucial for giant panda conservation amidst environmental changes.