Captive pandas are at risk from environmental toxins

Abstract

Ex situ conservation efforts are the last resort for many critically endangered species and captive breeding centers are thought to provide a safe environment in which to produce individuals for eventual re-introduction to the wild. The giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) is one of the most endangered animals in the world, and it is recognized worldwide as a symbol for conservation. Here, we report that captive pandas of the Sichuan and Qinling subspecies are exposed to high concentrations of persistent organic pollutants, including polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), dibenzofurans (PDCFs), and biphenyls (PCBs), as well as heavy metals (arsenic, cadmium, chromium, and lead). Further analysis of the ex situ environment of the Qinling subspecies demonstrated that contaminated food supplies exposed captive Qinling pandas to high concentrations of PCDD, PCDFs, PCBs, As, Cd, Cr, and Pb). In the short term, these endangered animals should be relocated to breeding centers in less contaminated areas. Their long-term survival, however, depends on reducing emissions of toxic pollutants throughout China.