Chinese scientists will conduct research on the blood types of the giant panda as a further step towards saving the endangered species.

China's Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda, located in Sichuan Province of southwestern China, will undertake research.

The center has 81 giant pandas from different areas, representing different groups.

It's hoped that defining the blood types of giant pandas in captivity, will be helpful in saving wild pandas.

(CRI January 11, 2005)