Gene Mutation Identified as Cause for Brown Giant Pandas

A groundbreaking study reveals the genetic basis for the rare brown-and-white coat color in giant pandas, offering insights into their breeding and conservation.

Researchers have discovered a 25-base pair deletion in the Bace2 gene responsible for the brown coat color in giant pandas.
The mutation was identified through genome sequencing of the only brown panda in captivity and comparison with black and white pandas.
This genetic discovery challenges the conventional belief that giant pandas can only have black-and-white coats.
The mutation is considered to be neutral or weakly deleterious, not negatively impacting the pandas' fitness.
The findings provide valuable insights for the scientific breeding and conservation of the rare brown pandas.

South China Morning Post