Monitoring Giant Panda Habitat and Corridor Use in Qinling

The purpose of this study was to use a key forested area between two giant panda populations to evaluate landscape options for corridor establishment. This area has been identified as one of the three most important potential corridors for giant panda movement in the Qinling Mountains. We conducted giant panda surveys using sign transects and passive infrared cameras arrayed across the potential corridor area and into both reserves in 2011 to 2012. We kept the concurrent camera locations apart by at least 500 m and relocated cameras every 30 days. For most camera set-ups, we applied scent lure to increase detections.