U.S.

Fish & Wildlife Service

Giant Panda Policy

Questions & Answers

Why have a policy just for pandas? generating substantial profit when policy also provides guidance to assist
Giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) displayed. Because of this, giant panda Service decision-makers and staff in
are protected by the U.S. Endangered imports have had a controversial history. reviewing panda permit applications to
Species Act (ESA) and the Convention on Conservationists fear humans will “love ensure that permit issuance criteria
International Trade in Endangered the panda to death.” have been addressed. The policy
Species of Wild Fauna and Flora discusses the purposes for which a
(CITES). Any import requires the Fish What does the policy cover? permit can be issued and when
and Wildlife Service to issue a permit The policy clarifies the information exhibition of pandas is allowed. It
under these wildlife measures. The giant considered in making permit findings provides guidance to ensure that the
panda is unique. It is highly endangered, under CITES and the ESA, and assists import will not contribute to the
with probably fewer than 1,000 animals in persons in filing a complete application removal of pandas from the wild, and
the wild, extremely popular with the for panda import, export, re-export, take, guidance on the use of funds
public worldwide, and capable of or interstate or foreign commerce. The associated with a panda transfer.

How can an institution meet the

criteria set forth in the policy?
The primary goal of the policy is to
ensure that permitted activities will
directly contribute to the survival and
recovery of the wild panda population.
To accomplish this goal, the Service
will review an application to determine
that it is a proposal for scientific
research, enhancing the sustainability
of the captive population, and
contributing to the recovery of pandas
in the wild. The Service will consider
whether the application:

! Outlines how net profits will be

calculated and fund disbursement
will be monitored, and has a
provision to provide an annual
accounting report that clearly
shows whether a net profit was
made and how the funds were used
in China.

! Includes a bona fide scientific

research proposal, i.e., one that is
properly designed using scientific
methods focusing on a specific
topic, that advances and/or
supplements the scientific
knowledge of panda ecology, and
that is specifically relevant to the
expertise of the institution.
! Addresses how the proposed What are the purposes and
research, if related to captive circumstances under which a permit
breeding, supplements China’s can be issued?
conservation program to achieve a Under the policy, permits can be issued
self-sustaining captive population. for the following:

! Relates the origin and biological ! Scientific research if the research is

background of the panda to those directly linked and will contribute to
selected to accomplish the purpose of the recovery of pandas in the wild.
the project (this is to ensure that the
requested activity does not cause the ! A combination of both research and
removal of animals from the wild). conservation activities that enhance
the survival of the species.
! Contains a plan to ensure that the
public display of pandas will not Before the Service can issue a permit, it
interfere with the research activities. must make the following findings under
CITES and the ESA:
! Shows that the applicant has the
expertise, resources, and facilities to ! Import is not for primarily
accomplish the stated objectives of the commercial purposes.
proposed research.
! Purpose of the import is not
! Shows that the research is part of a detrimental to the survival of the
coordinated panda conservation effort species in the wild.
and that scientific findings will be
quickly shared. ! Importer has facilities and expertise
to care for the pandas.
! Contains a description of how funds
associated with the panda loan (loan ! Purpose of the import is consistent
money, net profits, or fund-raising with the ESA (i.e., for scientific
dollars) will support high priority research or for the enhancement of
panda conservation projects identified the survival or propagation of the
by the Panda Office of the China State species—purposes which benefit the
Forestry Administration or China’s panda in the wild).
Captive Breeding Plan, with a
significant portion of the funds ! Import will not jeopardize panda
allocated for panda projects in the populations in the wild.
wild, thus, addressing the CITES
criteria that the import is not for
primarily commercial purposes. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
International Affairs
! Is a long term loan commitment and Division of Management Authority
contains a copy of the loan agreement 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, Room 700
with the appropriate entity within Arlington, VA 22203
China. 703/358-2104 or 800/358-2104
Fax 703/358-2281
! Shows that research on captive e-mail: managementauthority@fws.gov
breeding will be coordinated through http://international.fws.gov
the American Zoo and Aquarium http://permits.fws.gov
Association’s Species Survival Plan
for giant pandas (or a similar plan) and
with China’s Captive Breeding Plan. Summer 2003