Natural recovery and restoration in giant panda habitat after the Wenchuan earthquake.

Highlights: [•] We evaluate natural forest recovery and restoration after a major earthquake. [•] Natural recovery was rapid and was further improved in restoration sites. [•] Soil cover and slope were correlated to successful vegetation recovery. [•] Restoration sites were located far from the endangered giant panda distribution. [•] Results broadly inform forest recovery processes and endangered species management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]