Post on 22-Dec-2015
THE GIANT PANDAS!By, Alexi Melton, Julie Lawrence, and Kendra Thurmond
Biological Classification Order: Carnivora Family: Ursidae Genus and
Species: Ailuropoda melanoleuca
SAVE THE PANDAS!
Geographic Distribution Mountain ranges in central China
Sichuan, Shaanxi, and Gansu provinces Once lived in lowland areas…
But were restricted by: Farming Forest cleaning Other developments
SAVE THE PANDAS!
Habitat Forests
Broadleaf & coniferous
Dense understory of bamboo
5,000-10,000ft elev.
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Size About the size of
American black bear Stand 2-3 ft. tall at
the shoulder (on all four legs)
Reach 4-6 ft. long Males weigh up to
250lbs; females, 220lbs
SAVE THE PANDAS!
Diet
VERY exclusive 99% bamboo! Small rodents and
grass on occasion
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Status Listed as ENDANGERED!
In the World Conservation Union’s Red List of Threatened Species
About 1,600 left in the wild Approx. 300 live in zoos
SAVE THE PANDAS!
Why are Pandas Endangered? Habitat Loss
Decreased bamboo forests Industrialization & population growth
Selective Mating Females fertile a few days during Spring
Hunting Poaching still occurs
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Panda Endangerment Effects Bamboo Propagation
Ingest bamboo -> distribute the seeds WWF reports declined bamboo proliferation
Eco Effects Habitat of panda
Provides tourism capital, hydropower, agricultural & water resources
Upsets balance of ecosystems in the region
SAVE THE PANDAS!