The Giant Panda- an international symbol of Wildlife Conservation

Introduction

Native to the mountain forests of southwest China, the giant panda is one of the most beloved animals in the world. and is the international symbol of Wildlife Conservation. Panda is the rarest member of the bear family, their distinctive black and white colouring makes them one of the best known species in the world, they can reach 1.9 m in height and weigh around 110 kg in females and 160 kg in males.

Giant pandas live in bamboo forests in western regions of China. the giant pandas are adopted to live in trees with their broad paws with furry undersides and long retractile claws that help them grip when climbing trees.

Between 95 and 160 days of becoming pregnant, the female panda will give birth. The newborn cub is blind, hairless, and tiny, weighing only 85-140 g (3-5 oz.). Completely helpless, the cub cannot move much on its own for nearly 3 months. In turn, the mother is very protective and careful in tending to her cub during this time.

The Giant pandas live in bamboo forests in remote mountainous regions of western China

Amazing facts about Pandas

Giant pandas are shy animals the prefer to live alone, they modern panda are vegetarians, but its ancestor was either omnivorous or carnivorous. the origin of the name panda is the Nepalese word " nigalya ponya" which means eater of bamboo. In chinese, the giant panda is called the "large bear cat". The giant panda are strong with powerful jaws and teeth so few animals will risk attacking them, therefore pandas have few predators. 

Giant pandas are omnivores, which mean their diet consists of both vegetation and meat, However, bamboo is by far their favourite food

Conservation status

The giant panda conservation is high priority, one of the reason the number of panda is declining is their habitat destruction, habitat destruction also leads to food shortages. To combat with this issue, the Chinese government has actively worked to restore and protect bamboo habitat. 

Consequently many measures have been put in place to help increase the numbers, scientists around the world are studying their ecology and behaviour and instituting conservation programs. Today there are around 67 reserves. Human interaction within reserves is minimized, and infrastructure is limited as is removal of trees and thus giant panda habitat. The creation of bamboo corridors between built up areas also gives giant pandas more freedom and enables them to move between habitats to find food and mates.

Surveys have concluded that the panda population has increased since the Chinese government's action, and in 2016, the IUCN upgraded the giant panda's status from Endangered to Vulnerable. 

The views expressed are those of the author and not necessary of the Scientific studies