PANDA

The giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) is one of the most recognizable and beloved animals in the world. Known for its distinctive black and white fur, this charismatic bear is native to the mountainous regions of central China. While pandas have captured the hearts of people worldwide, they also serve as an important symbol of wildlife conservation efforts.

Physical Characteristics

Giant pandas are easily identifiable due to their unique coloration. Their large, round faces are accented by black patches around their eyes, ears, and limbs. Adult pandas typically weigh between 220 to 330 pounds (100 to 150 kg) and can grow up to 5 to 6 feet (1.5 to 1.8 meters) in length. Despite their bear-like appearance, pandas have a special adaptation in their wrist bones that allows them to grasp bamboo, their primary food source.

Diet and Habitat

Pandas are classified as carnivores, but their diet consists almost entirely of bamboo. They consume an astonishing amount—up to 40 pounds (18 kg) of bamboo per day—to meet their nutritional needs. Bamboo makes up about 99% of their diet, but pandas will occasionally eat small animals or carrion.

In the wild, giant pandas inhabit temperate forests with dense bamboo growth. They are found in several mountain ranges in central China, including Sichuan, Shaanxi, and Gansu provinces. The loss of habitat due to deforestation and human encroachment has significantly impacted their populations.