WWF FINALLY MAKES A PREDICTION ON PANDA EXTINCTION

August 18 2009

Chengdu, PRC – The history of the planet is littered with memory of extinct species of life. From the dinosaurs to the Dodo species all size and shape have passed into history, either passing one due to some natural phenomenon or at the hands of
mankind. Though estimates will likely never be accurate it’s believed there may be as many extinct species of life, both plant and animal, as there are currently living today. Extinction is of course an ongoing occurrence with hundreds at risk or on the verge of disappearing forever.

Now one more species is being added to the list of likely targets for elimination from the natural world with scientist at the World Wildlife Foundation claiming that the Giant Panda may be extinct in 2-3 generations. A product of diminishing habitat and thus food and mating problems Panda’s still number nearly 1600 in the wild but researchers believe that number will begin to drop rapidly if no action is taken, marking the first time science has deliberately targeted a species for complete extinction.

“If the panda cannot mate with those from other habitats, it may face extinction
within two to three generations. We may have to give up building some infrastructure. I don't know the solution to this problem. We have to act now.” said Fan Zhiyong of the WWF. “Pandas breed very poorly in captivity and that means traditional forms of conservation will not be applicable to the Panda. That gives us the greatest opportunity to ease the species into a kind of retirement of existence and create a path for new species of life to take over the habitats. We have worked with the Panda for many years but now we feel it is time to take decisive action.”

Captive breeding has resulted in only 180 births which is due in large part to the low libido of the animal. The Panda has long been a symbol of China but its declining numbers in recent years has led many to call for an end to the species’ prominence. The WWF also uses the Panda as a part of their symbol, something that will have to change once the species goes extinct.

“Nature fills holes. Yes Pandas are cute and cuddly and relatively docile but they also contribute very little to the natural world. That has been exacerbated by the erosion of their natural territory which has eliminated their ability to add to biodiversity. Those factors have made them a species of relatively little importance, zoologically speaking,” said Scrape TV Science analyst Dr. Howard Poe. “Because they are such a beloved species a great deal of money is put into preserving them and that takes money away from species that would likely benefit much more. This is a species that does little to help itself survive so funnelling all of these dollars towards preserving it is really just a waste. The Northern Hairy-nosed Wombat is arguably much more important to its environment, is also endangered, and receives virtually no attention. The Panda dollars could then be transferred to its survival.”

Because of their appearance Panda’s have long been the face of conservation which in turn has made them one of the most valuable species to organizations like the WWF.

“They will of course lose that all-important spokesperson but much like the Panda perhaps it’s time for the WWF to stand up on its own. After all they exist in order to help not to exploit animals for dollars. With the inevitable death of the Panda they will be forced to change their tactics and move away from exploiting species and actually doing something to help them,” continued Poe. “There are all sorts of cute animals that could be used to promote the cause. Manatees, Polar Bears, Seahorses are all endangered and would serve as very strong spokes animals. They also make a concerted effort to try and preserve themselves so in a lot of ways they might actually be better representatives for the animal kingdom.”

The WWF is thus far holding back on an exact date for the end of the Panda but stated they will make a firm prediction as the eventuality draws closer.

Anna Phillips, Science Correspondent

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