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

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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

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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

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