An infrared camera catches a panda making a handstand to urinate around a tree. (Photo: China News Service/Zhong Xin)
(ECNS) -- High resolution images and complete video footage of wild giant pandas were captured three times in April at Wolong National Nature Reserve in Sichuan Province.
Three infrared cameras were placed 2 kilometers from each other on Laoya Mountain at about 2,200 meters above sea level in December last year. Researchers announced the equipment recorded images and videos of the endangered species during the past several months.
One video shows an adult panda making a handstand to urinate around a tree to mark its territory. Scientists say an upside-down panda can get its markings higher on a tree, spreading its scent further afield and increasing its chances during the limited mating period.
Shi Xiaogang, director of the reserve's Mujiangping station, said pandas use various ways to mark their territory such as urinating on and scratching a tree trunk. In April and May, pandas in estrus make more marks to better spread the message.
Shi said male pandas leave their scent to compete for territory and female pandas do it to attract the opposite sex.
It's estimated that more than 10 wild pandas live in a 20-square-kilometer area on Laoya Mountain, a high concentration for the bear.
Wolong Nature Reserve has accumulated rich experience in forming a harmonious relationship between protecting giant pandas and economic development, said Duan Zhaogang, the reserve's Party chief.
Duan also said the reserve plans to increase monitoring of and research on giant pandas living in the area to better protect them.
The Disney nature documentary Born in China that opened in the U.S. was filmed in Wolong by famed director Lu Chuan.
