The giant panda is one of the world's most recognized animals. With the environment undergoing unprecedented change at a rapid and accelerating rate, can such a highly specialized species survive? This 2006 book summarizes panda biology and encompasses topics such as reproduction, behaviour, nutrition, genetics and veterinary medicine. It also provides information on veterinary management, advances in neonatal care, disease detection and prevention and the use of 'assisted breeding' to promote reproduction and preserve genetic diversity, as the females are sexually receptive for only 3 days per year and generally produce twins, but often lose one due to maternal neglect. This book provides the scholarly knowledge that will help conserve this treasured species in nature, while there is still time.

Reproductive mechanisms are well understood in only a handful of vertebrate species, mostly domestic livestock and laboratory animals. This means that attempts to develop and implement management policies for wildlife conservation of endangered species are often based on poor data or no data at all. In Reproductive Sciences and Integrated Conservation, leading authorities examine reproductive diversity in fishes, amphibia, reptiles, birds and mammals. They review the many factors that influence reproduction--including genetics, behavior and nutrition--and assess the potential conservation relevance of the recent rapid advances in reproductive technology and medicine.

Reproductive mechanisms are well understood in only a handful of vertebrate species, mostly domestic livestock and laboratory animals. This means that attempts to develop and implement management policies for wildlife conservation of endangered species are often based on poor data or no data at all. In Reproductive Sciences and Integrated Conservation, leading authorities examine reproductive diversity in fishes, amphibia, reptiles, birds and mammals. They review the many factors that influence reproduction--including genetics, behavior and nutrition--and assess the potential conservation relevance of the recent rapid advances in reproductive technology and medicine.

The giant panda is one of the world's most recognized animals. With the environment undergoing unprecedented change at a rapid and accelerating rate, can such a highly specialized species survive? This 2006 book summarizes panda biology and encompasses topics such as reproduction, behaviour, nutrition, genetics and veterinary medicine. It also provides information on veterinary management, advances in neonatal care, disease detection and prevention and the use of 'assisted breeding' to promote reproduction and preserve genetic diversity, as the females are sexually receptive for only 3 days per year and generally produce twins, but often lose one due to maternal neglect. This book provides the scholarly knowledge that will help conserve this treasured species in nature, while there is still time.