Spatial memory recall in the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca)

Abstract

The current study tested spatial memory recall in 1 male and 1 female giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca). The task required subjects to make a delayed response to a previously lighted location, with varying lengths of delay between the observation phase and the test phase. The male subject reached criterion at 2-, 3-, 4-, 5-, 6-, and 10-s delays. The female subject reached criterion at 2-, 3-, 4-, 5-, 6-, 10-, and 15-s delays. The results support the hypothesis that giant pandas demonstrate significant working memory for spatial location in the absence of external cues, which may be an important mechanism for survival in the wild.