Biodiversity a top priority for pandas

China has started putting greater emphasis on improving pandas' genetic quality and biodiversity instead of merely increasing the population, according to a senior specialist known as "Panda Mama".

The specialist, Hou Rong, chief researcher at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in Sichuan province, told China Daily about the shift last week during the annual two sessions. She's also a deputy to the National People's Congress.

Hou has spent most of her time trying to increase the number of pandas since joining the center in 1994. It is now home to 195 captive pandas.