A detailed genome map of the giant panda completed by Chinese scientists has shown that the notoriously shy animal is genetically similar to the dog, state media reported Sunday. Scientists from the Beijing Genomics Institute finished sequencing the giant panda genome in October last year but a detailed genome map was only recently completed, Chinese news agency said. The research found there is a high genomic similarity between giant panda and dog, the report said, but added that the research also supported the view of most scientists that the giant panda may be a subspecies of the bear family. Chinese experts say there are only about 1,600 wild pandas in China, mainly in the southwest, with another 200 or so raised in captivity in Chinese breeding centers.
