Delegates discuss panda practicalities
By Huang Zhiling (China Daily)
Updated: 2005-08-29 05:34

Meanwhile, a DNA paternity testing for candidate pandas is being carried out at Wolong, in order to avoid inbreeding between the pair of pandas to be sent to Taiwan, according to Zhang Hemin, chief of the Wolong Nature Reserve Administrative Bureau.

"It is our hope that the pair will not only bring joy to Taiwanese compatriots, but also give birth to healthy babies in Taiwan," he said.

To ensure that a female panda in rut can become pregnant, experts in the Wolong-based China Conservation and Research Centre for Giant Pandas will use artificial insemination in addition to natural methods.

The result of the tests will be available very soon and then the pandas to be sent to Taiwan will be determined, he said.

As experts from both the mainland and Taiwan were worried whether the two pandas would adapt to the climate in Taiwan, Zhang said that more co-operation and exchanges in this field was needed in the future.

"Mainland experts hope that they can visit the panda house in Taiwan before its construction is completed so that they can make suggestions," he said.

His view was endorsed by Hong who welcomed mainland experts to Taiwan.

As a habitat of the giant panda, Wolong spends around 100,000 yuan (US$12,376) on a panda each year. The cost in Taiwan is predicted to be higher.