CHENGDU -- The number of giant pandas in the wild in China has grown to nearly 1,900, while the number of captive black-and-white bears across the world reached 728 as of the end of last year, according to data released by the National Forestry and Grassland Administration on Tuesday.

At a press conference at the Shenshuping base of the China Conservation and Research Center for Giant Pandas in Wolong National Nature Reserve, southwest China's Sichuan Province, the administration said that China's establishment of the Giant Panda National Park which covers a total area of over 22,000 square kilometers provides significant protection for around 72 percent of wild giant pandas.

Apart from the wild population, the genetic diversity of captive giant pandas has improved. The current captive population of giant pandas can maintain 90 percent genetic diversity for up to 200 years, which means they are a healthy, dynamic and sustainable population.

Currently, China has established joint programs on giant panda conservation with 18 institutions from 17 countries, with 50 giant pandas living abroad.

The press conference was held one day before Fu Bao, the first giant panda who was born in the Republic of Korea (ROK) and returned to China in early April, is scheduled to meet the public in Shenshuping base.