Giant Panda

Information and inspirational quotes about this iconic gentle giant ball of fluff[]

I'm really into pandas right. They're really scratching an itch for me. They're so goddamn cute.

~ Nick Kroll.

Panda. Large black-and-white bear-like mammal. Native to China. They eat shoots and leaves.

~ Lynne Truss.

I'm not a big fat panda...I'm the big fat panda.

~ Po (Kung Fu Panda).

We should do everything we can to save the giant panda because we are the ones that have driven it to the edge of extinction.

~ World Wildlife Fund.

Main article:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giant_panda.

The giant panda, also known as panda bear or simply panda or by their famous ancient given Chinese names pixiu, xiong pi, xiong mao, pi, mo, huaxiong and zhuxiong (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) is a bear species endemic to China and is universally admired for its appealing markings and seemingly gentle demeanor. The giant panda is a robust animal with short muzzles, wide round tails, heavy shoulders and a distinctive black and white coat. Most of the body and belly of the giant panda are white, contrasting sharply with the black ears, black limbs and shoulders, and black patches over the eyes. The male giant panda is slightly larger and heavier than the female. The giant panda has a relatively large head and large, muscular jaws, while its molars and premolar teeth are wider and flatter than those of true bears, allowing it to grind bamboo.This species is also unusual in having a ‘thumb’, which is actually a modified wrist bone that enables the giant panda to dexterously grasp bamboo stalks. There are two species of this herbivorous bear: the black and white giant panda, and the Qinling panda and this bear is China's national symbol. In 1985, molecular studies indicated that the giant panda is a true bear, part of the family Ursidae.

Lifespan[]

Scientists aren't sure how long these bears live in the wild, but they are sure it is shorter than lifespans in zoos. They estimated that lifespan is about 15 to 20 years for wild pandas and about 30 years for those in human care. Chinese scientists have reported zoo pandas as old as 35.

Diet[]

Unlike most bears, particularly the ones from North America that are meat eaters (Carnivore) including the grizzly, kodiak, polar and black, the giant panda is an extremely vegetarian (Herbivore) as they feed on only bamboo.

Animal intelligence[]

Giant pandas are intelligent animals with complex behaviors and remarkably good memories. While these bears are considered to be smart, their cognitive abilities are difficult to measure and are often studied through observation of their behavior in the wild and captivity.

Natural habitat[]

These adorable bears live in the template forests of the mountains in southwestern China, in the provinces of Sichuan, Shaanxi, and Gansu. Their habitat is made up of broadleaf and coniferous forests with a dense bamboo understory, at elevations ranging from 4,00 to 11,500 feet (1,200 to 3,500 meters). These forests are often shrouded in heavy clouds and characterized by torrential rains or dense mist throughout the year.

Size[]

About the size of an American black bear, giant pandas stand between 2 and 3 feet (60 to 90 centimeters) tall at the shoulder (on all four legs), and reach 4 to 6 feet (1.2 to 1.8 meters) long. Males are larger than females, weighing up to 250 pounds (113 kilograms) in the wild.

Vocalizations[]

The sounds that giant pandas make are growls, chirps, bleats, chomps and barks, but unfortunately unlike most bears they can’t roar. Here are four main videos of what these bears sound like: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNaa62X6GGE , https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=48h0p5HGDtQ , https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHodW8c9ozc and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jz7f5wwSgkA.

Reproduction[]

Giant pandas are sexually mature between the ages of four and eight, and can reproduce into their 20s. Their mating season is in the spring, usually between March and May, when females go into estrus for a period of two to three days. Females can give birth to cubs from 90 to 180 days after mating.

Animal strength[]

Like all bears, the giant panda is very powerful and their bite force can reach almost 1300 Newtons. In fact 3,000 years ago in China's ancient times during West Zhou dynasty, Xizhou dynasty, 1027-1771 BC, Han dynasty, Tang dynasty, Shangshu dynasty, West Jin dynasty and the Yongle Emperor's reign, giant pandas were considered an animal that was brave and mighty as tigers and leopards; for that reason, ancient warriors were compared to giant pandas, whose name Pixiu was used to symbolize victory in all wars. During that time panda fur was also often given as tribute and gifts of good will.

Natural predators[]

Other than humans, the main predators to this ancient bear are snow leopards, Asian golden cats, jackals and golden eagles.

Conservation status[]

While still threatened and isn't an endangered species (However this bear used to be listed as an endangered species up until 2016), the giant panda is re-listed as vulnerable by the IUCN.

Population growth[]

As a January 2024, China's wild giant panda population is estimated to be around 1,900, which is a significant increase from the 1,100 pandas in the 1980s.

Animal aggression[]

While pandas are regarded as cuddly, quiet animals, they certainly have a dangerous side when they feel threatened. They're solitary bears and like to avoid confrontation, the World Wildlife Fund reports, but have sharp claws and teeth and may attack to protect themselves or their cubs if provoked.

Animal symbolism[]

To the people of china, Giant pandas have many symbolic meanings including:

Peace and friendship

Pandas are known for being gentle and peaceful, and in ancient China they were considered an "animal of justice" because they didn't hurt other animals.