Sharjah24 – Reuters: The number of giant pandas in captivity worldwide reached 673 this year, largely due to China's increasing panda breeding and conservation efforts, official data showed.

As of Oct 1, a total of 48 panda cubs had been born, with 46 surviving in 2021, according to information from the National Forestry and Grassland Administration on Sunday.

The common efforts of Chinese and foreign researchers, which entailed the setting up of online communication platforms for exchanges in breeding technologies saw the number of surviving newborn pandas reaching a new high of eight this year, bringing the total number of overseas giant pandas to 69.

China has conducted four surveys this year, which give a clear picture of the giant panda population and habitats. This will help improving conservation efforts and monitoring.

So far, 67 nature reserves of giant pandas have been established across China and the number of wild giant pandas has reached 1,864.