The Giant Pandas of Asia
Habitat
Giant pandas mainly live in central China in the towering mountains located there. Many years ago, they lived in the lowlands but the growing Chinese population eventually pushed them out. Over time, the pandas slowly adapted to their new home. The Asian mountains turned out to be the perfect habitat for these adorable giants. Pandas need wet forests, where their prized bamboo grows abundantly. Usually, these forests are located at elevations of 5,000 feet to 10,000 feet.
Physical Description
Throughout the world, the Giant Panda is known for its unique black-and-white coloring. Many scientists have been puzzled as to the purpose of these strange markings. It is now believed that these spots are used as camouflage in the pandas' rocky, snow-capped environment. To help them eat the wild bamboo they love so much, giant pandas have huge molars, as well as powerful jaws. The average panda stands about two to three feet tall (on all four legs) and about six feet long. Most males weigh about 250 lbs. while most females weigh 220 lbs., slightly less.
Habitat
Giant pandas mainly live in central China in the towering mountains located there. Many years ago, they lived in the lowlands but the growing Chinese population eventually pushed them out. Over time, the pandas slowly adapted to their new home. The Asian mountains turned out to be the perfect habitat for these adorable giants. Pandas need wet forests, where their prized bamboo grows abundantly. Usually, these forests are located at elevations of 5,000 feet to 10,000 feet.
Physical Description
Throughout the world, the Giant Panda is known for its unique black-and-white coloring. Many scientists have been puzzled as to the purpose of these strange markings. It is now believed that these spots are used as camouflage in the pandas' rocky, snow-capped environment. To help them eat the wild bamboo they love so much, giant pandas have huge molars, as well as powerful jaws. The average panda stands about two to three feet tall (on all four legs) and about six feet long. Most males weigh about 250 lbs. while most females weigh 220 lbs., slightly less.
Two Giant Pandas feeding
Life Span
Scientists are not sure how long giant pandas live in the wild. They only know they live longer in captivity. The oldest known panda in captivity lived to be 35. Pandas are on the list of the top ten endangered animals so it makes it very hard to track them and their life spans. Based off of what scientists know of captive pandas, the can make educated guesses of wild giant pandas.
Lifestyle
During the day, most Giant Pandas rest, eat, and search for food. When they're not eating, they're napping. When they're not napping, they're eating. Unlike other types of bears, pandas do not hibernate. They simply continue to live throughout the winter just as they do the rest of the year. Until recently, Giant Pandas were thought to live alone. There is now significant evidence that groups of Giant Pandas live in large territories. The individuals of a group live separately but occasionally meet with each other.
Status
The Giant Panda is very endangered species. It is too close to extinction. Currently, there are only 1,600 Giant Pandas left in the wild. 300 pandas are in zoos or wildlife reserves, being taken care of but that's still 1,600 cute endangered animals.
Source: http://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/giantpandas/pandafacts/default.cfm
Scientists are not sure how long giant pandas live in the wild. They only know they live longer in captivity. The oldest known panda in captivity lived to be 35. Pandas are on the list of the top ten endangered animals so it makes it very hard to track them and their life spans. Based off of what scientists know of captive pandas, the can make educated guesses of wild giant pandas.
Lifestyle
During the day, most Giant Pandas rest, eat, and search for food. When they're not eating, they're napping. When they're not napping, they're eating. Unlike other types of bears, pandas do not hibernate. They simply continue to live throughout the winter just as they do the rest of the year. Until recently, Giant Pandas were thought to live alone. There is now significant evidence that groups of Giant Pandas live in large territories. The individuals of a group live separately but occasionally meet with each other.
Status
The Giant Panda is very endangered species. It is too close to extinction. Currently, there are only 1,600 Giant Pandas left in the wild. 300 pandas are in zoos or wildlife reserves, being taken care of but that's still 1,600 cute endangered animals.
Source: http://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/giantpandas/pandafacts/default.cfm
