Panda Bears - Pictures

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Panda Bears - Description

The Chinese word for Panda bears is "Xiongmao" or Giant Cat Bear. Pandas are also called speckled bears, banded bears, monks among bears, white leopards, iron eating beasts, shining cats and great bear-cats. The scientific name "Ailuropoda melanoleuca" means "black and white cat-foot."

It is one of the most misunderstood animals on the planet. Pandas were believed to be a type of raccoon and only in the 20th century did genetic testing reveal that they are in fact bears. Like all bears Pandas are heavily-bodied with a large head and rounded ears. Panda bears have white bodies and black eye patches, black ears, feet, legs, chest and shoulders. Probably, the Panda's striking color serves to help it blend into both rocky and snowy environments. The Panda fur is very dense to protect them from the damp and cold climate.

Pandas have several adaptations that make it unusual. They possess six digits on the front paws, and the opposable thumb is ideal for holding onto the bamboo stalks. The males' genitalia are rear-pointing and small, unlike those of other bears.

Panda Bears - Management

The first Panda reserves were founded in 1963. Today there are 13 reserves in 6 remaining fragments of their habitat. According to the "National Conservation Management Plan for the Giant Panda and its Habitat" that was accepted in 1989, human activities in Panda bear habitats should be reduced. The control on poaching is very serious there and the Panda bear reserve system is rather extended. Captive-born young Panda bears are introduced to wild populations and corridors are established between separate Pandas' populations.

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