The mainland forestry officials and giant panda research experts on Saturday convened at a cross-sectoral lecture in Wolong Panda Nature Reserve in southwest China passing panda breeding knowledge to 17 Taiwan animal researchers.
   
Mainland officials announced in May to present a pair of giant panda to Taiwan compatriots. On hearing the news, Taiwan animal experts were eager for artificial breeding, disease prevention and daily care knowledge concerning pandas.
   
Hong Wendong, animal protectionist from Taipei, was among the 17 representatives from Taiwan non-governmental associations and research institutes to the lecture. He extended his gratitude to the mainland side for providing them with every possible condition for the panda's public appearance in Taiwan in future.
   
Chen Runsheng, secretary-general of the China Wildlife Protection Association, said at the lecture that it is a long cherished wish of the mainland people to present panda to the Taiwan compatriots.
   
Mainland pandas' resettlement and propagation on the Taiwan Island would surely bring happiness and fun to the Taiwan people, Chen added.

(Xinhua News Agency August 28, 2005)