Scientists Decode Language of Pandas

Last week, scientists at the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda in southwest Sichuan Province (CCRCGP) revealed that they have discovered thirteen different giant panda vocalizations. During a five-year case study, scientists recorded pandas while they ate and nursed and deciphered their unique communication patterns. They intend to use this information about panda linguistics to create a “panda translator” that will utilize voice-recognition to better understand the needs of the reclusive giant panda. "We managed to decode some panda language and the results are quite interesting," said Zhang Hemin, head of the CCRCGP. Pandas communicate using specific sounds when they are hungry, angry, or unhappy. Male pandas make a “baa” sound when looking for a mate, and females “chirp” in response. Babies vocalize “gee gee” to communicate to their mothers that they are hungry and offer “cuckoo” to reassure their mothers that they are okay.

"If we can understand their language, it will help us protect the animal, especially in the wild," Zang commented. The International Union for Conservation of Nature currently lists giant pandas as critically endangered, which means that they are one step away from extinction. Panda populations outside of captivity have dropped below 2000 this year due to issues of habitat destruction and infertility. However, scientists hope that their progress in decoding panda language will help them learn more about what giant pandas need to thrive.