Behavioral Research On Innate Predator Recognition In Giant Pandas (Ailuropoda Melanoleuca)

Predator recognition confers a significant survival advantage to prey animals. A thorough research on the acquisition of predator recognition in giant pandas have significant implications for ongoing giant pandas rehabilitation and reintroduction programs, which will improve the survival rates of released giant pandas. This study used captive giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) from Centre for Conservation and Research for the Giant Panda as subject to conduct preliminary research on predator recognition in this endangered species. Olfactory stimuli presented to the pandas in this study included urine samples from carnivores and herbivores in addition to a water control. We gave a systematic analysis of the general behavior pattern when they were exposed to the urine of the different species. The main results were as follows.1. Effect on time spent engaging in chemosensory investigation of scent from different species:giant pandas spent significantly more time on chemosensory investigation in response to predators and non-predators scent than the control. And giant pandas responded to predator scent significantly more than the non-predator scent. With regard to differences in responses to different predator scent, giant pandas spent significantly more time on chemosensory investigation in response to leopard (Panthera pardus) scent than snow leopard(Uncia uncial) scent and more time on leopard scent than dhole (Cuon alpinus) scent. There was no significant difference on time of chemosensory investigation between snow leopard and dhole scent. With regard to differences in responses to different non-predator scent, giant pandas sniffed more frequently in response to sika deer (Cervus Nippon) scent than to blue sheep (Pseudois nayaur) scent. There was no significant difference on time of chemosensory investigation between sika deer scent and sambar scent (Cervus unicolor). Also, there was no significant difference between sambar scent and blue sheep scent.2. Effect on frequency of flehmen behavior to scent from different species:giant pandas displayed significantly more flehmen behavior in response to predators and non-predators scent than the control. And giant pandas responded to predator scent significantly more than the non-predator scent. With regard to differences in responses to different predator scent, giant pandas displayed more flehmen behavior in response to leopard scent than snow leopard scent and more frequency on leopard scent than dhole scent. There was no significant difference on frequency of flehmen behavior between snow leopard and dhole scent. With regard to differences in responses to different non-predator scent, giant pandas displayed more flehmen behavior in response to sika deer scent than to blue sheep scent. There was no significant difference on frequency of flehmen behavior between sika deer scent and sambar scent. Also, there was no significant difference between sambar scent and blue sheep scent.3. Effect on vigilant behavior and flight reactions to scent from predator and non-predator:The vigilant behavior was less common. And a significant increase was found in vigilant behavior during exposure to predator scent compared to non-predator scent. No vigilant behavior was found in the control.8subjects displayed strong reactions to predator scent by retreating rapidly after first detection. No flight reactions were found in non-predator group and control.4. Effect on behavior between males and females to scent from predator and non-predator:the males spent significantly more time on chemosensory investigation in response to predator scent than females; also the male displayed significantly more flehmen behavior in response to predator scent than females. There was no significant difference of vigilant behavior between males and females. With regard to differences in responses to different non-predator scent, there were no significant differences between males and females in chemosensory investigation, flehmen behavior and vigilant behavior. No giant pandas displayed the marking behavior during the tests.The results indicate that giant pandas have innate predator recognition and can respond to predator and non-predator scent accordingly. This study also presents preliminary evidence that giant pandas can differentiate scent from different predators and scent from non-predators. Giant pandas react differently to scent from different species. Flight behavior has degenerated over time in controlled captive conditions. Males are more active than females in regard to chemosensory investigation of scent and flehmen behavior.