A plan to establish China’s first giant panda national park has been officially approved, the website of Sichuan provincial government reported. More than 80 protected areas in Sichuan, Shaanxi and Gansu where most wild giant pandas inhabit will be incorporated in the 27,134-suqare kilometer park.

Giant panda habitats are the most complicated landforms with obvious climatic vertical zonation. In addition to giant pandas, they are home to more than 8,000 wild life species including Sichuan snub-nosed monkeys. Thus, it is of great significance to protect these areas.

China’s fourth national survey on giant pandas suggested that their habitats have to some extent shrunk and the species is in danger of extinction.

According to the plan, 7 Sichuan cities and prefectures have been included in the national park. Its three main objectives are protection, ecological restoration and education. In addition, parts of Shaanxi and Gansu provinces have also been included in the park.

By establishing the giant panda national park, the country hopes to formulate regulations and ensure smooth communication between each habitat, thereby setting a good example for worldwide biodiversity conservation hotspots.