Giant pandas

The giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) is a bear known for its black-and-white coat. Although it belongs to the order Carnivora, its diet is almost entirely plant-based. Despite the similar name, the red panda is not a close relative.

Where does it live?

Giant pandas live only in the mountains of central China, mainly in the cool, damp bamboo forests of Sichuan, Shaanxi and Gansu provinces.

What does it eat?

Bamboo stems, leaves and shoots make up most of its diet. Because bamboo is low in nutrients, pandas spend a large part of the day eating. Occasionally they also eat small animals or other plants.

Behaviour and social life

Pandas usually live alone. They mark their territories with scent and rarely meet outside the breeding season. To save energy they move slowly and rest often. They are good climbers.

Cubs

A female usually has a single cub. A newborn panda weighs about a thousandth of its mother's weight and is pink, almost hairless and blind at birth. The cub stays with its mother for about 1.5–2 years.

Conservation status

In 2016 the IUCN moved the giant panda from Endangered to Vulnerable (VU). This improvement came from nature reserves and forest protection in China. Fragmented habitat and the risk that climate change will affect bamboo forests remain important threats.

Fun facts

• A panda's "pseudo-thumb" is actually an enlarged wrist bone.
• Because their digestive system resembles a carnivore's, they digest only a small part of the bamboo they eat.
• Pandas do not hibernate; in cold weather they may move to lower, warmer areas.