PANDA CONSERVATION CHINA

The Panda Conservation project in China is a wonderful opportunity to learn about wildlife conservation and explore the many issues currently facing endangered species for any volunteers. In an effort initially restricted to field research, panda conservation began in China during the 1940s. In 1963, Woolong was created as a forest reserve by the Chinese government. The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) has been cooperatively working with the Chinese government on panda protection since 1980. There are many new Panda conservation management plans in place as an attempt to increase the pandas' chance for survival including: reducing human activities in panda habitats, rehabilitating panda habitats, adding additional panda reserves, and strengthening conservation education and public awareness.

Unfortunately Pandas are the second most threatened species in the world and there are only about 1000 pandas estimated to live in the wild. The major threat to the survival of the species is currently destruction of the panda's natural habitat. In only eleven years, 1973 to 1984, suitable panda habitats shrunk by 50% in the six isolated areas where pandas live. Human activity - logging, animal grazing, and agriculture - are the major sources of habitat destruction. Wolong Panda Club is an environmental-friendly organization that focuses on attracting more people around the world to pay more attention to the giant panda and cherish the environmental resources. Its slogan “Caring Giant Panda, Caring Ourselves “is becoming more popular in China.

Skills/Qualification

There are no specific qualifications required for this project because the professional staff members at the panda conservation center will provide all necessary orientation and training to adequately perform duties pertaining to panda conservation. However, volunteers should be caring about the environment and pandas, and an agreement is to be signed prior to your arrival and terms and conditions are strictly observed for the duration of the project period.

Volunteers' responsibilities

There are many various activities in the panda conservation projects volunteers are involved in. Under watchful direction and supervision of the already-existing professional staff members, volunteers will assist in caring for and feeding the center's panda, cleaning their habitats, observing various panda behavior (rutting, mating), assist in administering physical examinations, cub training, ultrasounds, cub-births, breeding, etc. (duties often vary from season to season). Vital research is also conducted by volunteers while studying these fascinating creatures which face closely-impending extinction.

Fees and Dates

The Panda Conservation program starts on the first and third Monday of each month

• 7 days    $1844
• 14 days  $2182
• 21 days  $2521
• 28 days  $2860

The program fee covers Chengdu-Wolong Transportation (one way), Taking-Panda-Picture fees, Uniform, admission, Feeding-Panda-fee, Three local meals a day, and accommodation in simple hotel or host family, and obligatory donation to Conservation project

Room/Food

Global Crossroad provides living accommodations in nearby motel or simple hotel and three (3) meals a day. Volunteers will have their own private, comfortable rooms with a bathroom, toilet, sink, and shower. Food is provided inside the panda conservation center where volunteers will have meals consisting of traditional Chinese fare.