DNA and other tests by wild animal experts have proved the existence of an independent panda community in the Zhile Natural Protection Zone of China's southwest Sichuan Province.

Experts from the Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, where the zone is located, carried out the tests on Feb. 28 and confirmed that the 9 to 11 pandas in the zone belonged to a community different from those in three other zones in Minshan, Qionglai Mountain and the southern slope of Qinling Mountains.

The pandas in the zone share similar appearance, living habits and genetic make-up, according to the tests.

A 13-member research group had previously spent years on repeated site investigations of the pandas' environment, numbers, food base and group survival ability.

(Xinhua News Agency March 8, 2003)