Activity patterns of the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca)

Giant pandas exhibit three distinct activity peaks—morning, afternoon, and midnight—in contrast to the previously assumed crepuscular behavior. A study using GPS collars with accelerometers on both wild and captive pandas in Wolong Nature Reserve revealed seasonal variations in activity, with peaks in June, a decline in August-September, and increased activity from November to March. Activity correlated with solar radiation, particularly under cold conditions, suggesting potential impacts of climate change. The findings also indicate that pandas adjust their energy budgets due to dietary constraints, providing insights into the relationship between forage, weather, and energy expenditure.

Zhang, J., Hull, V., Huang, J., Zhou, S., Xu, W., Yang, H., McConnell, W. J., Li, R., Liu, D., Huang, Y., Ouyang, Z., Zhang, H., & Liu, J. (2015). Activity patterns of the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca). Journal of Mammalogy, 96(6), 1116–1127. https://doi.org/10.1093/jmammal/gyv118