GIANT PANDASBy Kate

DIETGiant pandas have an extremely strict energy budget. They

travel little and are usually foraging when they do move. Giant pandas can spend 10-12 hours a day feeding. Bamboo, the main

source of pandas' diet (over 99%) is a very poor nutritional source but present all year round. Only about 17% of the

nutrients found in the leaves and stalks are extracted. These bears make a trade-off to have a plentiful, easily obtained food

source but with low nutritional value. Giant pandas are well-known for their upright feeding position which leaves their

forelegs free to handle the bamboo stalks. This species has several special characteristics related to eating bamboo. The

extra digit on the panda's hand helps the panda in tearing the bamboo. This adaptation also allows increased dexterity while

handling bamboo. The stomach walls are extremely muscular to help digest the woody diet; and the gut is covered with a thick

layer of mucus to protect against splinters

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION

Giant Pandas have round heads, stocky bodies, and short tails. The shoulder height is 65-70 cm. It is well-known for its distinctive black and

white markings. The limbs, eyes, ears, and shoulders are all black and the rest of the body is white. In some areas the black actually has a chestnut-

red tinge. The dark markings around the eyes may be the reason for these animals' popularity giving them a wide-eyed appearance..

LIFE CYCLEOne giant panda lived to an age of about 34 years in

captivity but that is unusual. Normal maximum life in captivity is 26 years, surprisingly it is sometimes

as much as 30 years. Lifespan in the wild is unknown.

BEHAVIORUnlike many other bears, the Giant Panda does not hibernate. However, it

will descend to lower elevations during the winter. Giant pandas do not build permanent dens but rather take shelter in trees and caves. They are primarily terrestrial, though good climbers and capable of swimming. This species is mainly solitary except for the breeding season. Mother pandas

play with their cubs, but not just to appease the young. Some mothers have actually woken the infant to start to play.

FOOD HABITSGiant pandas have an extremely strict energy

budget. They travel little and are usually foraging when they do move. Giant pandas can

spend 10-12 hours a day eating. Bamboo, the main source of pandas' diet (over 99%) is a very

poor nutritional source but present all year round. Only about 17% of the nutrients found in

the leaves and stalks are extracted. These bears make a trade-off to have a plentiful, easily

obtained food source but with low nutritional value. Giant pandas are well-known for their

upright feeding position which leaves their forelegs free to handle the bamboo stalks.

WHY THEY ARE IMPORTANT TO HUMANS AND

WHY THIS IS WRONG

Giant pandas have been hunted for their fur. In recent years the pelt has been considered a valuable sleeping mat; it is comfortable but also believed to have supernatural markings which prevent ghosts and help

predict the future through dreams. A panda skin is highly valued--in Japan it can be a price of $176,000. Giant pandas are also popular zoo exhibits. This is wrong because Giant Pandas are already endangered.

HOW WE CAN PREVENT THEM

FROM BECOMING

EXTINCTWe can stop Giant Pandas from becoming

extinct by not buying animal products and donating to zoos that have them [which are

very rare]. It’s that simple!