In the August issue of Molecular Biology and Evolution, researchers have shown that the Giant Panda still possesses high genetic diversity and evolutionary potential. This has led them to conclude that the reason Giant Pandas are facing extinction is directly related to human interference in the form of environmental encroachment. Humans are completely to blame for the decline in the Giant Panda population.

Was that really a surprise to anyone?

Luckily, the Chinese government has taken many effective conservation measures including Grain-to-Green, the Wolong Giant Panda Nature Reserve, and others in the hopes of keeping the wild Giant Panda population thriving.

Source: Chinese Academy of Sciences