Are giant pandas hunted? A tale of conservation and struggle

Are Giant Pandas Hunted

The giant panda, one of the most beloved and endangered species in the world, has long been a target of human exploitation. From early hunting by local villagers to large-scale poaching by foreign hunters, the history of giant panda hunting is a complex tale marked by both destruction and eventual conservation efforts. In this article, we explore the history of panda hunting, the gradual awakening of conservation awareness, and the ongoing challenges that continue to threaten this iconic species.

Historical Hunting of Giant Pandas

Early Hunting
Before giant pandas were scientifically documented, they had already become targets for local hunters. Living in remote and inaccessible mountain forests, and with a relatively small population, giant pandas were not subjected to large-scale hunting like many other wild animals. However, as human activities expanded and their habitats were destroyed, pandas gradually came into human view and became targets for hunting.

Late 19th Century to Early 20th Century
From the late 1800s to the early 1900s, Western explorers, hunters, and specimen collectors flocked to China and began a period of large-scale hunting and capture of giant pandas. These individuals often killed pandas to turn them into specimens or captured live pandas to send abroad for exhibition and research. These actions severely disrupted the panda population and caused their numbers to plummet.

Hunting Peak (1930s-1940s)
During the 1930s to 1940s, hunting of giant pandas reached its peak. The chaotic political and social environment, marked by war and instability, significantly impacted conservation efforts. Many Westerners hunted giant pandas for sport, and some even displayed them as trophies. At the same time, due to the pandas’ cute appearance and rarity, they became highly sought after for purchase and collection. This further exacerbated the panda’s survival crisis.

The Awakening of Panda Conservation Awareness and Changes

Awakening of Conservation Awareness
As the population of giant pandas continued to decline and their habitat deteriorated, the importance of protecting the species became evident. By the 1950s, the Chinese government began to implement a series of measures aimed at protecting pandas and their habitats. These measures included the establishment of nature reserves, the strengthening of laws and regulations, and an increase in scientific research on pandas to better understand their biology and behavior, providing a foundation for effective conservation strategies.

Improvement of Laws and Regulations
The enactment of the “Wildlife Protection Law of the People’s Republic of China” and other laws provided strong legal tools to combat illegal hunting, trade, and transport of pandas and other endangered wildlife. The enforcement of these laws has effectively curbed illegal hunting and poaching, offering stronger protection for giant pandas.

Recent Cases of Panda Hunting

The 2014 Yunnan Zhaotong Panda Hunting Incident
In 2014, a shocking case occurred in Yunnan province’s Zhaotong city, where a wild giant panda was illegally hunted by two brothers from the Wang family. They ruthlessly shot the panda and sold its skin and meat.

Legal Consequences
The incident was taken to court, where the perpetrators were held accountable. Wang Wenlin, one of the brothers, was found guilty of illegally killing and hunting a precious and endangered species, as well as illegally possessing firearms. He was sentenced to 13 years in prison and fined 10,000 yuan. Wang Wencai, the other brother, was convicted of illegally selling endangered wildlife products and received an 11-year prison sentence along with a 10,000 yuan fine. Other individuals involved in the case also faced legal punishment.