The Giant Panda - in detail....
Nibbling some bamboo
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Threats to the population
Where do they live?
What does it eat?
How long do they live for?
How much do they weigh?
How tall are they?
Distinctive features
Reproduction
What habitat do they live in?
Scientific Name
Ailuropoda Melanoleuca
How many exist?
- 1600 in the wild
- 239 in captivity (protected parts of national parks and zoos)
It is estimated from some of the latest official studies that there are approximately 1600 giant pandas living naturally on their own within the wild. While some studies have indicated there being almost double this figure, these estimates are yet to be officially confirmed.
Those found in the wild only exist within China, which can make the population potentially more vulnerable as if any disaster ocurred in their habitat the vast majority of the popualtion could be wiped out.
population status
The IUCN is The World Conservation Union. One of their many roles is to categorise animal species if their population numbers are declining. They have a red list of threatened species and unfortunately the giant panda has a place on this list. The current status of the giant panda is ENDANGERED
To learn more about the IUCN's Red List of endangered animals and the work it does, please follow this link IUCN Red List
Threats to the population
As we all know, China is experiencing incredible economic growth and the desire to cash in on the land's resources leaves many poor local people destroying habitats of the giant panda. The giant panda also faces other threats highlighted below: -
Conversion of forests to agricultural areas there is far more money to be made by local people if they chop down trees to sell the timber and clear the land to grow crops. This practice has led to fragments of bamboo forest being created and leaving certain giant pandas cut off from others. If they become isolated, they cannot mate and this obviously limits their potential for reproduction.
Poaching the pelt (fur) of the giant panda is still sought after by a small number of poachers. It is believed the fur does sell for large amounts of money, however little is known about the structure of the market and relevant demand.
Development activities China is experiencing ferocious growth which has led to a surge in mining, road building and hydropower schemes.
Where do they live?
Giant pandas can only be found in the wild in the worlds most populated country, China and in a number of zoos around the world.
The population has been confined to a relatively small area compared to how it used to live centuries ago. They are only found in South Central China within six isolated mountain ranges in the Gansu, Shaanxi, and Sichuan provinces (Sichuan accounts for about 75% of the population). Their total living area can be found in a patch of only 30,000 sq. km.
Please see the below map of where to find the giant panda: -
The fragmented habitat of the giant panda
What does it eat?
Whilst they are part of the carnivore family they survive almost 100% on a vegetarian diet, eating primarily just bamboo leaves. As the bamboo is low in protein and energy they have to consume vast quantities to get the equal amount of nutrients as they would do eating meat. They can consume anywhere between 12 30 kg per day.
Two giant pandas enjoying a snack
They do little else bar eat, stopping only to travel short distances. When the Giant Panda fancies a break from bamboo they will occasionally hunt for pikas and other small rodents but this is infrequent.
how long do they live for?
A giant panda can expect to live on average between 14 20 years, whereas in captivity it can rise to as many as 30 years.
how much do they weigh?
The average giant panda weighs a healthy 100 150kgs (between 16 24 stone). Its large frame is a result of a combination of its constant eating and lack of movement.
How tall are they?
The common height is around 1.5 metres (about 5ft). Generally the males are slightly heavier and taller than their female counterparts.
what are their distinctive features?
Their striking feature is its two toned, black and white fur coating. The different colour patches are quite unique making the animal so distinguished not just from other bears but wildlife in general. It is an animal that has a fun, cuddly, and cute aura about it and this has led to it being a worldwide favourite among animal lovers.
How often do they reproduce
There is a common myth in the animal world that giant pandas are poor breeders, mainly because of low reproduction figures posted by those in captivity. This however is inaccurate their breeding consistency (in the wild) is no different to other bears.
Two cubs play fighting
Sexual maturity is reached at around 5 ½ years of age. During the breeding season (usually between March and May) the female can mate with several males who sometimes compete with each other for the right to mate with the female. Once the egg is fertilised conception usually takes between 100 160 days (3 6 months) and the mother gives birth to either one or 2 young, however the mother raises only one. Reproduction is on average every 2 years.
The newborn giant panda is incredibly small and will weigh only 90 130grams. As to be expected they are massively dependent on their mother during their early months for food, drink and protection. The baby giant panda will stay with the mother until she conceives again, usually at about 18 months.
Fu Long and his mum
Recently the first baby giant panda to be born in captivity in Europe for over 25 years made its first public appearance. It lives at the Vienna Schoenbrunn Palace Zoo in Austria and is being described as a minor miracle due to breeding in captivity being extremely rare. The baby has been named Fu Long which means Lucky Dragon in Mandarin (Chinese language). Please see above for a picture of our new little friend.
what habitat do they live in?
Giant pandas occupy temperate montane forests with dense stands of bamboo. They live at altitudes of between 1200m and 3,400m. They were once found in the lower riverine valleys but these are now occupied by humans so the giant panda has moved upwards. Habitat use depends heavily on the type and density of bamboo; they can eat up to 60 different varieties of bamboo.
In the winter they will descend to lower altitudes to avoid the cold as best they can. They do not hibernate but will seek temporary shelter in hollow trees, rock crevices and caves.
Giant pandas do like their own space and prefer to live a solitary existence. Each adult will have their own home range, which they move about in regularly and make it clear to others that area is theirs. They are not territorial like most jungle animals but females do not tolerate other females and sub-adults within the core areas of their range.
Meetings between giant pandas are rare outside the mating season, however they are not ignorant of one another and will communicate via vocalisation and scent marking. When they move they mark their routes through spraying urine, clawing tree trunks and rubbing against objects.
How is macmac making a difference?
To see how MacMac Clothing is helping conserve giant pandas in China please visit our conservation projects area.
References!
We would like to thank WWF, Wikipedia and the IUCN for helping us compile the above information.
