Giant Pandas, also scientifically known as Ailuropoda melanoleuca live in Temperate Broadleaf and Mixed Forests of Southwest China. They live where there is a high amount of bamboo because that is their main about 95% of their diet. On a daily basis, pandas usually consume 26-84 pounds of bamboo. Giant pandas have a thick white and black coat that keeps them warm in the cool forests. They have black patches around their eyes, ears, shoulders, arms, and legs. When giant pandas are born they are about the length of a stick of butter but when they get older they can weigh anywhere from 220-330 pounds. When pandas are adults they are approximately more than 4 feet long. Giant pandas are excellent tree climbers despite their size and weight. They are peaceful creatures that should not be endangered.
Giant pandas are important in a couple different ways. They play a crucial role in the bamboo forests by spreading the seeds and by helping the growth of vegetation. The giant pandas also bring many economic benefits to near by communities through ecotourism.
Habitat is in the heart of the country so railroads and roads tend to isolate the giant pandas population and prevents mating
Forest destruction reduces access to bamboo which they need to survive
The good news is that poaching is decreasing because of new strict laws and the public awareness. Usually when hunters are hunting, they are searching for something else but accidentally kill the giant pandas. There is only about 1,600 giant pandas left in the wild.
