Effects of noise on survival of cubs in captive Chinese red pandas (Ailurus styani)

In order to investigate the effects of noise on the survival of captive Chinese red pandas (Ailurus styani) cubs, the data on noise were collected continuously in five female animals and their cubs via noise meter at Hetaoping base, Wolong, China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda from May to November 2020. The number of days that female abandon its cub and temperature and humidity were combined to make a comparative analysis to explore effect.The results indicated that: There was a significant negative correlation between the number of days that female abandon its cub and the average noise of first 5 days after birth (P<0.01). Within Five days postpartum, the average noise were 65.02±1.12 dB (the maximum noise were 97.38±1.88 on average) will causing newborn mother to abandon its cub and affected the survival of the young. Within 5 days postpartum, the time of ≥70 dB noise is more than 1.33% that may affected newborn mother and increase the risk of abandoning the young. Correspondingly, the effect of average noise ≤54.64±0.93 dB (the maximum noise were ≤92.10±9.80 dB on average) had rarely effect on mother and cubs. The number of days that female abandon its cub was not significant correlation to average monthly noise and average temperature and humidity (P>0.05). These results reveal noise range that Chinese red panda female abandon its cub. Within 5 days after delivery, the average noise is less than 54.64±0.93 dB can avoid abandonment, and can be used to further improve survival rate of cub.