Good news for wildlife lovers! Giant panda no longer an 'endangered' species

Image credit: Susan A Mainka / WWF

New Delhi: This piece of news will surely bring cheers to millions of panda lovers – thanks to an increase in their count!

On Sunday, the World Wildlife Fund announced that the giant panda is no longer considered an endangered species.

The giant panda has been downgraded from "Endangered" to "Vulnerable" on the global list of species at risk of extinction, following a 17% rise in their population over the past 10 years (2004 to 2014). A nationwide census found that there are now 1,864 giant pandas in the wild in China, up from 1,596 in 2004.

“For over fifty years, the giant panda has been the globe’s most beloved conservation icon as well as the symbol of WWF. Knowing that the panda is now a step further from extinction is an exciting moment for everyone committed to conserving the world’s wildlife and their habitats,” said Marco Lambertini, WWF Director General.

“The recovery of the panda shows that when science, political will and engagement of local communities come together, we can save wildlife and also improve biodiversity,” added Lambertini.

The WWF also said that while everyone should celebrate this achievement, pandas remain scattered and vulnerable, and much of their habitat is threatened by poorly-planned infrastructure projects.

Although the panda’s status has improved, other species are under increasing threat, including the Eastern gorilla, which is now listed as critically endangered primarily due to poaching.