Infrared cameras have recently recorded wild giant pandas in the Gansu section of the Giant Panda National Park. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Wild giant pandas have recently made frequent appearances on infrared cameras in the Gansu section of the Giant Panda National Park, with footage capturing the animals sniffing around, resting on mountain trails, and leaving territorial markings, according to the Gansu National Park Monitoring Center.

Since early April, monitoring devices have recorded what experts say is the peak of the annual mating season.

On April 3, a giant panda was filmed marking its territory along a narrow animal path. On April 21, another panda appeared on the same trail, repeatedly stopping to sniff the ground, apparently identifying scents left behind.

Other footage showed pandas spraying urine on trees, resting on bamboo-lined paths and possibly making mating calls on forested hillsides.

Between April 9 and 18, one giant panda was recorded five times at the same location, putting on what monitoring staff described as a slice of "daily forest life", trudging through snow at night, rubbing against trees during the day, and taking evening strolls through the bamboo forest.

The staff said wild giant pandas become significantly more active from late March to mid-May as they search for mates.

The increasing frequency of sightings has also provided further evidence of improving habitat protection and stable growth of the wild panda population in the region.