An international team of scientists have found that there may be many more giant pandas remaining in the wild than previously thought.

The scientists, from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Britain's Cardiff University, say that populations have been greatly underestimated in past surveys.

They believe that there may be as many as 3,000 giant pandas left in the wild.

Previous estimates have put wild panda numbers at just 1,000.

The team used recently developed 'non-invasive' methods for counting wild animal populations to re-examine panda population estimates.

Prof Michael Bruford, Cardiff University: "Our results found that previous surveys underestimated the population by more than 50 per cent."

This method profiles DNA from panda droppings to provide a more accurate population profile.

"Our results found that previous surveys underestimated the population by more than 50 per cent," said study co-author Prof Michael Bruford of Cardiff University.

"These findings indicate that the species has a much better chance of long-term viability, although we must not become complacent, since the population size is still perilously low."

The giant panda is one of the world's most endangered and elusive species.

It is found only in a restricted mountainous region in China with an unusual dietary dependence on bamboos found only in these mountains.

This elusive nature has shielded important knowledge needed to save it from extinction, according to the scientists.

The results are published in the international journal Current Biology.