Habits
Pandas are solitary animals. They spend two-thirds of their day feeding and the remainder of the day resting. Extremely agile climbers, they usually climb only when they are in danger from predators such as brown bears, leopards, and wild dogs. They take refuge in the nearest tree until danger has passed. Pandas have no particular resting place; they simply lie down on the ground wherever they happen to be. Pandas live in cold, damp conditions. They have exceptionally dense waterproof coats that give protection against these conditions.
Food & Feeding
Although the panda is classified as a carnivore, its diet consists almost exclusively of the stems, leaves, and young shoots of various types of bamboo. Because bamboo has a low nutritional value, the panda needs to eat huge quantities - 25 to 45 pounds a day - to sustain itself. It also eats eggs and some seasonal vegetation.
Giant Panda & Man
At one time, the greatest threat to the giant panda's survival was man, who hunted it for its pelt. Today the principal cause of its decline is the erosion of its habitat due to crop cultivation or from natural causes such as die-back of bamboo. As its natural habitat becomes increasingly surrounded by humans settlement, the panda can no longer migrate to unaffected areas. The Chinese people now support any measures necessary for the panda's protection. As a result, those caught hunting the animal face severe penalties. Special sanctuaries have been established in the panda's natural habitat with enough space for 500 to 600 animals. Scientists are studying the animal's habits and instituting a comprehensive conservation program. Zoos are also collaborating in the develoment of a captive breeding project.
Special Adaptations
The panda has adapted well to its diet. It uses its carnassial (meat-tearing) teeth to slice though bamboo shoots. The forepaws of the panda have an extra "thumb" which, when used in conjuction with its "forefingers," enables the panda to grasp even small bamboo shoots with precision. Its paws are broad and have long, retractable claws.
Distribution
Southwestern China, notably the Qionglai, Daxiangling, Xiaoxionging, and Liang Mountains in Sichuan Province; also the Min Mountains and Qinling Range in Shaanxi Province.
Sizes
Height: 5 feet standing erect. Females slightly smaller.
Weight: Up to 265 pounds. Females weigh less.
Lifestyle
Habit: Solitary.
Diet: Mainly bamboo, supplemented by berries, fruit, flowers, fungi, grasses, bark, and occasionally small animals.
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