WWF Statement on China’s Announcement that Giant Pandas Are No Longer Endangered

In response to China’s announcement today that the giant panda’s conservation status has been updated to ‘Vulnerable,’ a step down from ‘Endangered,’ World Wildlife Fund issued a statement from Colby Loucks, Vice President for Wildlife Conservation:

“China’s reclassification of the giant panda from ‘Endangered’ to ‘Vulnerable’ is another sign of hope for the species, following the International Union for the Conservation of Nature’s reclassification in 2016. Thanks to decades of collaboration between the Chinese government, local communities, companies and NGOs, the giant panda’s future is more secure.

“China’s successful conservation of giant pandas shows what can be achieved when political will and science join forces. Continuing these conservation efforts is critical, but we need to stay vigilant on the current and future impacts climate change may have on giant pandas and their mountainous forest habitat.”