Brief Report 6.1: Spatial Memory in the Giant Panda

Sex differences in spatial cognition have been reported for many species ranging from voles to humans. The range size hypothesis predicts that sex differences in spatial ability will only occur in species in which the mating system selects for differential range size. Consistent with this prediction, we observed sex differences in spatial ability in giant pandas, a promiscuous species in which males inhabit larger ranges than females, but did not observe sex differences in Asian small-clawed otters, a related monogamous species in which males and females share home ranges. These results provide the first evidence of sex differences in spatial ability in the order Carnivora, and are consistent with the range size hypothesis.

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“…We used an adaptation of the radial arm maze [18][19][20]. Eight feeders were arranged in a circular pattern (figure 1).…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Sex differences in spatial ability: a test of the range size hypothesis in the order Carnivora

et al. 2011

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“…In contrast, Hull et al (2015) detected up to 39 separate core areas in panda home ranges which they returned to after several month-long periods. Captive studies have found that pandas have excellent spatial memory (Tarou et al 2004;Perdue et al 2011). The authors of both studies state that their findings do not necessarily indicate the tendency to remember certain areas of forage.…”

Section: Core Areasmentioning

confidence: 99%

Telemetry research on elusive wildlife: A synthesis of studies on giant pandas

Connor

Hull

Liu

2016

Integrative Zoology

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Telemetry studies that track animals through space and time can lead to advances in scientific understanding that are vital in conservation efforts. For example, telemetry studies of the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) have shed light on many aspects of panda biology, but small sample sizes in each separate study make it difficult to draw broad conclusions. To overcome this problem we conducted the first synthesis of all 5 panda telemetry studies conducted to date. Using these data we investigated patterns in 6 main topics: home range, space-use interactions, core areas, movement patterns, seasonal migration and natal dispersal. We found that panda home range sizes do not vary between 2 main mountain ranges (Qionglai and Qinling), as was previously believed. Our results also suggest that female pandas increase their movement in the mating season: a behavior typically attributed only to males. We found and summarized telemetry and genetic evidence for female natal dispersal in the giant panda. Our synthesis highlights the need for additional research relating panda behavior to human disturbance factors, and can aid future studies on giant pandas as well as other species.

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“…Therefore, a lot of research has focused on giant panda sensory capabilities, including olfactory communication and vision (Swaisgood, Lindburg, White, Zhang, & Zhou, 2004;Kelling et al, 2006). Yet, there has been little investigation of spatial memory in the giant panda, which may be a critical component of efforts such as foraging for bamboo (Tarou, Snyder & Maple, 2004).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Spatial memory recall in the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca).

Perdue

Snyder²,

Pratte³

et al. 2009

Journal of Comparative Psychology

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The current study tested spatial memory recall in 1 male and 1 female giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca). The task required subjects to make a delayed response to a previously lighted location, with varying lengths of delay between the observation phase and the test phase. The male subject reached criterion at 2-, 3-, 4-, 5-, 6-, and 10-s delays. The female subject reached criterion at 2-, 3-, 4-, 5-, 6-, 10-, and 15-s delays. The results support the hypothesis that giant pandas demonstrate significant working memory for spatial location in the absence of external cues, which may be an important mechanism for survival in the wild.

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Brief Report 6.1: Spatial Memory in the Giant Panda

Cited by 8 publications

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Sex differences in spatial ability: a test of the range size hypothesis in the order Carnivora

Sex differences in spatial ability: a test of the range size hypothesis in the order Carnivora

Telemetry research on elusive wildlife: A synthesis of studies on giant pandas

Spatial memory recall in the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca).

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