Gentle Giant Panda Isn't a Recluse After All

Turning convention on its head, new observations have shown pandas are not the solitary bears they are made out to be.

The observations were made by researchers who were allowed by the Chinese government to radio-collar a few pandas in the Wolong National Nature Reserve from 2010 to end of 2011. The location data generated over two years showed pandas were sometimes within 20 meters of each other even outside mating seasons, New Scientist reports.

The data is yet to be analyzed to determine sexual behaviors. However researchers did note that the collared females, three in number, remained loyal to one of the males as they picked up the male's scent.

"Pandas are such an elusive species and it's very hard to observe them in wild, so we haven't had a good picture of where they are from one day to the next," said co-author Vanessa Hull of Michigan State University.

According to Discovery News, data also showed the pandas spent most of their time eating bamboo at 30 locations. Mapping location revealed that pandas remember locations where food is available in plenty as they allow six months or more for bamboo regeneration before returning to those areas.

Hull and her time hope their findings can convince the Chinese government to allow further studying of the panda. Conservation efforts have resulted in increase in numbers the last decade.