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Beijing (pte036/05.04.2005/14:00) - Chinese pandas are set to have the honour of getting broadband in their natural habitat. As the Tehran Times http://www.tehrantimes.com reports, China's largest nature reserve in the mountains of southwest Sichuan province has been wired up to broadband. The great digital leap forward at the Wolong Giant Panda Nature Reserve www.giantpandabear.com/DHTML/wolong.html is aimed at panda protection. Researchers will be able to process real-time data on the pandas, including photos and video signals, at any time and at any given corner of the nature reserve. They can also observe giant panda cubs on a daily basis without having to step out of their offices, according to Xinhua.
"Digital technology has changed communication between Wolong and the rest of the world and will help promote information sharing on giant panda protection," said Zhang Weimin, director of the reserve. "This will not only help increase the number of giant pandas, but also help us manage the living environment of giant pandas in a more efficient manner."
Statistics from the State Forestry Administration released last year show that the number of pandas in the wild in China has risen by more than 40 per cent from 1,110 in the 1980s to 1,590, while a total of 161 are in captive breeding programs worldwide. "Despite the increase, the animal's existence is menaced by problems including loss of habitat and a low rate of reproduction," added Xinhua.
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