Panda Bears - Threats
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Picture source:
Panda's PlayPen
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Giant Panda bears are listed as endangered; the image of the Giant Panda is a symbol of endangered species. This species faces big problems in today's world and only about 1000 of them survive on Earth in 6 natural reserves in China. There exist several reasons to that. First and foremost Pandas' habitats are continuously undergoing destruction as people of China build more cities and use more natural resources. Pandas need a lot of mature bamboo to eat, but it takes much time for bamboo seeds to grow into plants that are large enough for Pandas. When all the bamboo in the area bloom and die, Pandas need to move to another area searching for bamboo. If they have no place to move, Pandas may die of starvation.
Other problem is hunting. Although the government protects Pandas, when hunters set snares for other animals, the traps kill Pandas instead, mainly because of their natural curiosity. Pandas' low reproductive rate adds to the problem. A female Panda bear is able to care for only one young, which is dependent on the mother for 2-3 years. In the zoos it is possible to raise twin cubs of Panda bears, switching the baby Pandas every day so each one gets milk and care directly from the mother.
Panda Bears - Conservation Links
About Giant Panda - Organization arranging giant Panda tour, adventure tour in the wild, tracing the Panda, and taking protective measures.
Ailuropoda Melanoleuca David - Vital statistics, social life, habitat of Pandas and their role for humans are described.
Craighead Environmental Research Institute - Evolution and special adaptation of this species to its habitat.
Endangered Panda - Learn how expanding human populations have seriously reduced the area in which Giant Pandas live and feed and what future waits for this species.
Endangered Species - Natural history, status and threats to Giant Pandas.
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Picture source:
Politechnika Krakowska
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Friends of the National Zoo - Conservation is a major focus at Fujifilm. That's why they've partnered with Smithsonian's National Zoo to provide a habitat for Mei Xiang and Tian Tian in Washington, DC. By educating the world about these amazing animals, their hope is to ensure their survival in the wild.
Giant Panda (Ailuropoda Melanoleuca,David) - Problems of distribution and conservation of the species.
Giant Panda Research - Read about giant Pandas that have been raised in captivity and introduced into the wild.
Giant Pandas Conservation - Learn what can cause extinction of Giant Pandas and how many of them are left in the wild.
Giant Pandas Face Big Problems - Offers several reasons why Giant Pandas are endangered and what can be done to preserve their numbers.
Panda -- National Treasure - Social behavior, captive breeding and conservation measures are presented.
Panda Bears and Bamboo - Read about the Panda population and what it needs not to become extinct.
Panda Habitat Research in China - MSU researchers track humanity's impact on habitat and find out what can be done to protect these animals.
Pandas Facts - Compare prehistoric, historic and current Panda distribution and learn how you can help them.
Pandas in the Public Eye - What measures are taken to protect these animals and how many of them are left in the wild.
Sandiego Zoo. Pandas - Contains basic facts concerning biology of Pandas and their conservation status. Contains many Panda photos in captivity and in the wild.
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Picture source:
World of Pandas
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Smithsonian National Zoological Park - Learn what is being done to protect these vulnerable animals from extinction.
The Giant Pandas Frolicking at the National Zoo - Meet two Panda bears living in captivity.
The Panda Baby - Read a story of a Giant Panda baby that was raised in the zoo.
The Wild Ones - Read what is being done to protect Giant Pandas and their habitats and what problems is connected with this species.
World Wildlife Fund, Endangered Species - Learn about the conservation status of Panda bears and what is being done to preserve them.
