In consideration of the unique digestive tract structure and dietary habits of giant pandas, we researched the composition and function of their gut microbiota. We identified 242 CAZy gene families and discovered notable differences between the gut microbial functions of giant pandas and herbivores. The findings were closer to those of carnivores and suitable for the digestion of cellulose and hemicellulose (Guo et al. 2018 Front. Microbiology). From a conservation perspective, we studied the impact of captive practices on the gut microbiota of wild pandas. Captivity significantly altered the structure and function of the panda's gut microbiota, led to a significant reduction in gut microbiota diversity, and increased susceptibility to antibiotics and environmental pollution (Guo et al. 2019 Genes). By monitoring the changes in gut microbiota during the transition of captive pandas back into the wild after training, we found that the gut microbiota transitions toward a wild state post-release (Tang et al. 2020 Ecology and evolution). These studies provide important references for the conservation of giant pandas.