Chinese scientists have successfully solved the "three difficult" problems for panda artificial fertilization, and as a result, the number of surviving pandas born with artificial reproduction technology has broken a 20 record for the first time, reaching 21, an all time high, reports the overseas edition of People's Daily on November 17.

In spring this year, 38 pandas were fertilized with artificial reproduction technology. When autumn came, 25 panda cubs were born including four deaths. At the present, the number of surviving cubs has reached 21, the most productive year since mankind started trial breeding of giant panda with an all-time high record in breading history, said Zhang Zhi, director with China Giant Panda Breeding Technology Commission, in his interview with reporters on Wednesday.

Studies show that giant panda is pregnant once a year, giving births to one or two cubs. A female giant panda in captivity entering into the sexual maturation period is four or five years old, and her fertile activity ends at about the age of 20. Panda's reproductive efficiency is low. As for pandas in captivity, their reproductive efficiency is in linear decrease as they live in better conditions with less activity content. They are regarded as animals with three difficulties: estrus, pregnancy and cub survival.

The relevant departments in China have devoted themselves to the researches on panda's physiology, pathology and breeding technology. Because of this, they have overcome the three difficulties and their technologies have reached the world's advanced levels.

For the moment, there are about 1,590 wildlife pandas in the world, mainly distributing in the mountain areas surrounding the Sichuan Basin in the country. By the end of 2004, there were about 160 giants in captivity in the nation.

By People's Daily Online