Coronavirus disrupts captive panda breeding
A breeder plays with a giant panda at a base. (Photo provided to China News Service)
(ECNS) -- The novel coronavirus has made an indirect impact on captive pandas, especially those of mating age, according to the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda in Sichuan Province.
The breeding season for giant pandas is mainly from February till May.
Although the coronavirus does not directly harm the health of pandas, their food transportation and breeding have been disrupted, said the center.
The center has four bases where 182 giant pandas have been raised. All bases were closed on Jan. 25 due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Close contact with the pandas is prohibited except for breeders and veterinarians.
As the outbreak becomes gradually contained in China, Sichuan Province is considering partially re-opening some bases after making scientific and orderly preparations.
