The pandas’ primary enemies were once poaching, habitat loss and their lacklustre libido. Now, a study has found, the species has a new threat to contend with: jet lag.
Captive pandas living in zoos outside in different latitudes to their normal range in China are less active and exhibited more “abnormal” behaviour than their wild counterparts.
“Animals, including humans, have evolved rhythms to synchronise their internal environment with the external environment,” Kristine Gandia, of the University of Stirling, said.
“When internal clocks are not synchronised with external cues like light and temperature, animals experience adverse effects. In humans, this can range from jet lag to metabolic issues and seasonal affective disorder.”
Jet lag occurs when the body’s circadian rhythm – its expected sleep and wake