Download - THE GIANT PANDA
THE GIANT PANDA
Common Name: Giant PandaScientific Name: Ailuropoda melanoleuca
NAMES
Broadleaf and Coniferous ForestsDense Understory of BambooElevations of 5,000 to 10,000 feetHeavy cloud cover
HABITAT
Size of a Black BearWeighs up to 250 pounds in the wildFemales rarely reach 220 pounds
Life and Life History
99% BambooSugar cane and apples in zoos
Diet
Black-and-white bear, has a body typical of bears. It has black fur on ears, eye patches, muzzle, legs,
and shoulders. Rest of the animal's coat is white. Although scientists
do not know why these unusual bears are black and white, some speculate that the
Bold coloring provides effective camouflage into their shade-dappled snowy and rocky surroundings.
Thick, wooly coat keeps it warm in the cool forests of its habitat.
Pandas have large molar teeth and strong jaw muscles for crushing tough bamboo.
Physical Description
Reaches maturity between 4 and 8 years of age
Stops reproducing at the age of 20Female pandas ovulate once a year
Reproduction
Low reproductive rateBamboo ShortagesHabitat DestructionHunting
Endangered Status(Why is the panda endangered?)
Wild-1,000In captivity, 100
Population Size
Chinese government has set aside 12 nature preserves
These are protected from development and construction.
Conservation Efforts
1. Why is the Giant Panda endangered?2. What is the current number for wild panda
populations?3. How often do female pandas ovulate?4. Where do Giant Pandas live?5. What does the panda’s diet consist of?
Quiz
http://www.thewildones.org/Animals/panda.html
http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/GiantPandas/PandaFacts/default.cfm
Bibliography