Organochlorine compounds pose health risks to the Qinling Giant Panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca qinlingensis)

To assess organochlorine compound (OC) contamination, its possible sources, and adverse health impacts on giant pandas, we collected soil, bamboo, panda fecal samples from the habitat research center of Qinling (Ailuropoda melanoleuca qinlingensis)—the rarest recognized subspecies. The polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) pesticides (OCPs) concentrations were comparatively low which suggests that moderate sources OC pollution currently. levels lower in nature reserve than those pandas held captivity, within increased between functional areas order: core, buffer experimental. distribution patterns, correlation analyses, combined with congener distributions suggested PCBs OCPs originated similar dispersed by processes, being transported through atmosphere characterized historical residues. Backward trajectory analyses results, detected DRINs (aldrin, dieldrin, endrin isodrin) both suggest long-range atmospheric transport source. pose potential cancer risk, PCB 126 was most notable toxicant as assessed be high carcinogenic risk index. We provide data for assessment can guide identification priority congeners, recommend a long-term monitoring plan. This study proposes an approach to ecotoxicological threats whereby may used sentinel species other threatened or endangered mammals. By highlighting risks long-distance transmission pollutants, emphasizes importance transboundary cooperation safeguard biodiversity.