Conservation clues: Sequencing the entire DNA sequence of the panda may offer clues to help protect it.
Credit: Wikipedia
BEIJING: To help understand more about the giant panda's famously low libido and find other clues to help protect the endangered species, scientists are planning to sequence its genome, said Xinhua, the Chinese state news agency on Friday.
"(This is) the first genome project to be undertaken specifically to gather information that will contribute to conservation efforts for an endangered species," Xinhua quoted Oliver Ryder, of San Diego Zoo's Centre for Conservation and Research for Endangered Species, in California, as saying.
Conservation symbol
"The giant panda is a global conservation symbol and deserving of such an effort," he said at the launch of the International Giant Panda Genome Project in the Chinese city of Shenzhen on Friday.
The project, led by China but including scientists across the world, aims to work out a draft sequence of the giant panda entire DNA sequence - which is roughly the same size as a human's - within the next six months.
"The project will help scientists understand the genetic basis for the giant panda's adaptation to its special diet and behavioural style and reveal the history of their population isolation and migration," said Zhang Yaping, a member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. It may also give new clues on how to combat panda diseases.
The giant panda is among the world's most endangered animals. As of November 2007, China had 239 of them in captivity, while about 1,590 more are thought to be living in the wild.
