The reproductive strategy of giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca): infant growth and development and mother–infant relationships

Reproductive activities of six giant panda females (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) living in the Qinling Mountains of China (Shaanxi Province) were recorded from 1989 into early 1995. Data on mating and birth dates, litter size, cub sex and den use were collected for three of the pandas. At this site, preg...

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Published inJournal of zoology (1987) Vol. 253; no. 2; pp. 141 - 155
Main Authors Zhu, Xiaojian, Lindburg, Donald G., Pan, Wenshi, Forney, Karin A., Wang, Dajun
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Oxford, UK Cambridge University Press 01.02.2001
Blackwell Publishing Ltd
Subjects
Ailuropoda melanoleuca
Arctoidea
China
giant panda
life histories
Mammalia
reproduction
Mammalia
life histories
China
giant panda
Arctoidea
Ailuropoda melanoleuca
reproduction
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Summary:Reproductive activities of six giant panda females (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) living in the Qinling Mountains of China (Shaanxi Province) were recorded from 1989 into early 1995. Data on mating and birth dates, litter size, cub sex and den use were collected for three of the pandas. At this site, pregnant females migrated to lower elevations in advance of other pandas to seek dens for birthing. One dam was videotaped in the den with her cub from birth to the end of the denning phase at 94 days of age. This cub was repeatedly handled during the dam's absences to obtain data on development and weight. During the early part of the denning phase, the cub was maintained on the dam's body virtually continuously. Post-partum fasting for up to 3 weeks was noted. Dams invariably moved cubs to new dens three or four times during the birth season. By the time cubs left the den at about 3–4 months, they were fully furred and capable of surviving winter temperatures without further shelter. Reproductive parameters for the wild population fell within the range of values for captive pandas, based on information in the literature and in the giant panda studbook. The combined data on length of gestation, intervals between births, litter size and weight, infant development, and reproductive life span reveal a range of life-history variables that strongly resemble the Ursidae.
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ISSN:0952-8369
1469-7998
DOI:10.1017/S0952836901000139