Panda Recount
Sichuan, China

Giant pandas are among the most endangered animals on Earth. 

Most wild pandas live in 40 isolated forest reserves, which remain threatened by encroaching roads and development.

Until recently, only 1,100 pandas were thought to remain in China. But a new survey estimates that 1,600 pandas actually exist today.

The increase is likely due to better counting methods rather than major population growth. Still, scientists are optimistic that reforestation and captive breeding will help pandas rebound further.

Panda Images:
©2003 Calvin J. Hamilton
USFW/Gary M. Stolz

Satellite Images:
NASA