These serve not only to protect the animals, but also to help researchers better study them to assist with conservation efforts in the future. Because pandas eat only bamboo, they cannot adapt to live outside of those forests the way other animals do, unless the pandas are provided with bamboo. If a bamboo forest is cleared away, then the pandas' food source is gone. For the past 80 years, Chinese authorities have built and maintained panda reserves. Historically, the natural range of pandas was over ten times as large, spanning across much of central China. Humans have cleared much of the bamboo forests that pandas need to survive. Recently, researchers have attempted to estimate the population size by utilizing the genomics of various wild populations. The population of giant pandas may be growing, but recent threats to their habitat could put them back on the endangered list. There are many reasons that caused giant pandas to be endangered. These bears are also the international symbol of conservation, appearing on the logo of the World Wildlife Foundation. This forces giant pandas in those areas to relocate for their food. Pandas are recognizable, lovable bears that have appeared in movies, on money, and even in the Olympics. Now that we know where and how they live, we can revisit our first question: why are pandas endangered? Panda skins and pelts can fetch poachers hefty sums of money on the black market. These are designated wildlife preserves meant to protect the habitat and food source for the giant bears. Raccoons are able to adapt in this way because of their physical attributes, such as their digestive systems, which can digest nearly any kind of food, and their small size, which allows them to hide easily. Regardless of the subspecies, pandas are relatively small bears that stand 60-90 cm (2-3 feet) while on all fours and can grow to be 120-180 cm (4-6 feet) standing on their hind legs. Today, wild pandas are found only in China, and in far fewer numbers than ever before. Unfortunately, these fascinating bears are highly endangered due to habitat loss and other issues. Unfortunately, they are now only restricted to some regions of China, and that too in a far fewer number than ever before. Habitat loss destroys bamboo, which is the giant panda's sole food source. For the past 80 years, Chinese authorities have built and maintained panda reserves. Scientific Classification: Kingdom: Animalia: Phylum: Chordata: Class: Mammalia: Order: Carnivora: Family: Ursidae: Genus: Ailuropoda: Panda bears, pandas, or giant pandas are all the same animal and fall under the scientific name Ailuropoda melanoleuca, which quite literally means “black and white cat-foot.” Giant pandas are native to … As fall turns to winter, their main diet is the root of the bamboo plant. Pandas are extremely difficult to count, even under the best circumstances. Why the Giant Panda was Endangered - Mainly Habitat Reduction. Why Is The Giant Panda Still Endangered? Pandas rely on the leaves and shoots of bamboo for the vast majority of their diet. Pandas, as is the case with other animals, must live in a very specific environment in order to survive. The panda’s forest environment is also important for local people – for food, income and fuel for cooking and heating. Giant pandas first became endangered in 1990 due to excessive poaching in the 80s and deforestation, depleting their bamboo food source. planet These serve not only to protect the animals, but also to help researchers better study them to assist with conservation efforts in the future. The black panda mainly lives in just a few mountain ranges in central China. Pandas used to roam through various forests of Laos, Burma, Vietnam, and China. About 60% of pandas live on nature reserves that have 2.5 million acres of protected habitat. Even though Pandas' extinction risk … They typically live in Sichuan province but are also inhabit the neighboring provinces of Shaanxi and Gansu. Copyright 2021 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. With wild panda numbers as low as they are, even a single panda killed by poachers is a devastating loss. The main reason of this animal being endangered is the habitat lost by human activities and increasing demands. Endangered species, bamboo can grow extensively in mountainous or barren lands, this... Territories of about five square kilometers ( two miles ) pandas first became endangered in 1990 due extensive... Holds the panda ’ s Sichuan, Shaanxi and Gansu, all Rights Reserved eating bamboo which... World Wildlife Foundation and water resources for the past 80 years, Chinese have... The spring source of bamboo propagation take away space that giant pandas to be endangered, China conducted! 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