Comparative analysis of trophic niche using stable isotopes provides insight into resource use of giant pandas

; and they both occupied a unique position in the context, almost one trophic level lower than herbivores. Then, we determined the isotopic ratios of the main foods from the habitats of these pandas; the results suggested that the isotopic difference between bamboo shoots and other parts plus the various feeding selections of pandas on them accounted for pandas' trophic niche widths. We considered the higher nutrition availability and digestible food resources giving QIN pandas a wider trophic niche than pandas from SC. This conclusion provides a new insight into the resource use and trophic ecology of giant pandas and is important to develop refined management plans for the two populations.