How much do you know about pandas? Pandas are among the most recognizable animals on earth. They attract us with their distinguishing feature of black and white fur.
These animals may be cute, but there are a lot more to pandas than you think. Their habitat distribution and dietary system are different from other species. Pandas’ features are unique like their appearance.
In this article, I have discussed Panda’s inhabiting, their appearance, behavioral facts, major types of them, and their dietary peculiarities. I have also mentioned Pandas’ reproductive and conservation strategies. Let’s explore –
01. Puma Overview
02. Deer Overview
What Are the Characteristics of Panda?
Pandas have a very likable look, characterized by gentleness and softness. Here’s a closer look of their characteristics:
| Characteristics | Description |
|---|---|
| Common name | Giant Panda |
| Scientific name | Ailuropoda melanoleuca |
| Family name | Ursidae |
| Number of Species | Two |
| Size | 1.2 to 1.9 meters |
| Weight | 154-276 pounds |
| Coloration | Black and white fur pattern |
| Head | Wide, flat head |
| Tail | Short tails reaching about 10 to 15 centimeters |
| Lifespan | 01. 10-15 years in the wild 02. Less than 20 years in captivity |
| Habitat | Mountainous |
| Diet | Carnivores |
| Mating Life | Sparse |
| Communication | Squeak, growl, bark and huff |
| Conservation status | Vulnerable |
How Many Types of Pandas Are There?
There are two main types of pandas: the Giant Panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) and the Red Panda (Ailurus fulgens). Although the two are referred to as pandas, they have many differences in their features and the nature of evolution.
Let’s explore them briefly in the table below.
| Giant Pandas | Red Pandas |
|---|---|
| live in mountainous regions of central China | Found in temperate forests of the Himalayas and surrounding areas |
| They have distinct black and white fur | They have reddish-brown fur on their back and tail |
| Weigh between 154 to 276 pounds | Weigh Between 6.6 to 13.7 pounds |
| Their bodies are 1.2 to 1.9 meters in length | Their bodies are 50 to 65 centimeters in length |
| They eat 26-84 pounds of bamboo a day | They consume 2-4 pounds of bamboo a day |
However, besides two recognizable types of Pandas, there is one Subspecies of Giant Panda known as Qinling pandas. They live in Qinling Mountain in China. Their body color is brownish, and they are smaller in size.
Where Do Pandas Live?
The habitat of the Giant Panda includes extensive regions concentrated in China’s central part, along with forested mountains. Bamboo forests play a very important role in the lives of giant pandas because these are the main providers to this animal.
They usually thrive in elevations, ranging from 5,000 to 10,347 feet high and prefer areas that have plenty of bamboo growth. The availability of water bodies in the form of rivers and streams is another important factor for their habitat.
On the other hand, red pandas live in temperate forests of the Himalayan and areas neighboring it such as Nepal-India to China-Myanmar. They enjoy living in mountainous regions characterized by thick vegetation cover.
There, they feed on bamboo and fruits, and berries among other plants. This tall undergrowth and heavily grown trees are ideal areas for a red panda habitat. However, these lovely animals do not migrate.
Learn more about pandas habitat from this article!
What Are the Behavioral Facts of Panda?
Each panda has its personality, so some of them are shy and others are more outgoing. Normally, Pandas are quiet animals that usually want to spend time alone.
But in spring, they try to find a pair and even chase each other. They play and enjoy themselves at that time. Although pandas look heavy, they can swim and climb trees very well.
Moreover, they are very good at hiding from danger. Pandas indicate their territory by leaving their smell around. They can also get angry sometimes, mostly when they feel threatened or during the mating season.
Learn more about their behavior from this article!
How Do Pandas Communicate?
Pandas have multiple communication methods among each other. They use vocalizations such as bleating, honking, barking, moans, whines, and chirps to signal various things. These sounds are used to show how friendly, or warning is meant.
Pandas also use body language like head bouncing or eye covering to convey their intents and feelings. Another important way in which pandas communicate is by scent marking.
Here, they rub secretions on trees and rocks to indicate gender, mood and reproductive status. This mixture of vocal, body, and scent communication enables pandas’ social interactions.
What Do Pandas Eat?
Pandas are primarily herbivorous. Giant pandas eat bamboo which is 99 percent of their menu. Mostly they feed on bamboo shoots, leaves and culms.
Occasionally they consume pikas, rodents, insect carrions and other plants like wheat pumpkins and kidney beans. They also eat fruits, especially apples.
Whereas the red pandas live on bamboo and eat up to 85%-95% of it as shoots and leaves. Apart from this, red pandas also have insects, small mammals, eggs and many species of plants such as bark lichen roots, grass flowers, berries, fruits mushrooms and acorns.
Similarly, red pandas have a comparable taste for apples and often consume them as one of their main foods.
However, captive pandas are fed specially designed diets composed of bamboo, fruits and vegetables. Soybeans and eggs are served to them to ensure their nutritional needs are met.
Learn more about their dietary habits from this article “Food of Pandas in my blog.
How Do Pandas Reproduce?
Pandas reproduce sexually and mating takes place during spring. From March to May, the females can respond to mating. It generally lasts for only several days.
After mating, the female then endures a gestation period of around 3 to 5 months with one or two cubs being born. In most cases, at times three or four.
The mother provides them with milk and safety until they become more independent. However, after about a year and six months, the young pandas reach their maturity; they reproduce themselves to continue with life propagation.
What Is the Conservation Status of Panda?
Pandas’ conservation status is categorized as vulnerable. They face threats such as deforestation, fragmentation, hunting and climate change. So, protection is necessary for them.
The protection of pandas includes conservation practices, habitat restoration programs, and captive breeding. However, as a result of these actions, pandas are still threatened which calls for ongoing conservation activities in order to protect them from extinction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions that people look for regarding pandas.
1. How long can a Panda go without eating?
You’ll be amazed to hear that Giant pandas can go one month without eating or drinking.
2. Can a Panda eat meat?
Yes, though bamboo covers 99% of their meals, they may eat meals sometimes. Especially in captivity.
3. Do Pandas sleep long?
Yes, you can find Panda sleeping or lying down most of the time in a day. Researchers found that they sleep around 12 hours a day.
4. How did the panda get its color?
Pandas have their black and white coloration camouflage for bamboo forests. Black blotches help them blend into the shadows, whereas white hairs compare with the snowy surface. Coloring like this protects pandas from predators and blending in their surroundings.
5. Are giant pandas bears?
Yes, Giant pandas are a bear species that resides in China.
Conclusion
In conclusion, pandas are interesting creatures. Their peculiar appearance attracts us from all over the world. Bamboo is a primary source of food for Pandas, but they also have fruits, insects, etc.
Pandas face habitat destruction and climate change but conservation efforts have managed to ensure some level of stability. With habitat restoration, captive breeding programs and stringent legislation, we are making sure that these animals live on for many generations.
Reference
- https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/giant-panda
- https://ielc.libguides.com/sdzg/factsheets/giantpanda
- https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/facts/giant-panda
- https://www.thoughtco.com/giant-panda-129561
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/red-panda