In-situ conservation means ‘on-site conservation’. It is the process of protecting endangered plants or animal species in their natural habitat.

The Chinese government is the largest agent in promoting positive changes for the Giant Panda. Other organisations, like Zoos SA, work with the government to promote in situ conservation efforts.

By mid-2005, the Chinese government had established over 50 panda reserves. This protects more than 10,400km2 and over 45% of remaining panda habitat. There are also efforts to ensure there are natural corridors between panda populations so that a healthy mixing of genes can occur.

Other conservation infrastructure includes installing communication networks in reserves, creating environmental education programs near protected areas, analysing impact of habitat fragmentation on genetic diversity, and developing plans to restore degraded bamboo forests.

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