Why giant pandas are becoming extinct

A child watches one of the pandas on exhibit at the Smithsonian National Zoo. Wild giant pandas are found in the mountains of central China in dense bamboo and coniferous forests at altitudes of 5, to 10, feet. Driven nearly to extinction by habitat loss and poaching, these elusive and secretive mammals are among the rarest in the world, with only an estimated 1, remaining in the wild.

The low reproductive rate of giant pandas makes them more vulnerable to threats and extinction. Since the s, the Chinese government has worked to conserve giant panda habitat and protect the wildlife within it.

Now, 67 panda reserves speckle the country, several of which breed them in captivity and care for the sick or injured. The relationship has proven to be symbiotic all around. The number of pandas found in the wild has now reached 1, individuals. This survey has been conducted by many various methods including spotting of pandas, estimating based on bite marks of bamboo, and counting dung left by the bears.

Recently, researchers have attempted to estimate the population size by utilizing the genomics of various wild populations. Figures suggest the wild panda population size may have been around 3, in the mids. By the mids, the Chinese government estimated that size to be about 1, individuals. There may be hope that those numbers are higher, though. A study conducted in the Wanglang Reserve in Sichuan Province estimated the wild population to be twice as high as a survey conducted just five years prior.

Now that we know where and how they live, we can revisit our first question: why are pandas endangered? As we mentioned above, the answer is human activity. Historically, the natural range of pandas was over ten times as large, spanning across much of central China.

For the past 80 years, Chinese authorities have built and maintained panda reserves. These are designated wildlife preserves meant to protect the habitat and food source for the giant bears.

Today, there are over 40 panda reserves across central and southwestern China. These serve not only to protect the animals, but also to help researchers better study them to assist with conservation efforts in the future.

Do you want to help bring giant pandas back from the brink of extinction? Consider donating to organizations that support their habitat reconstruction today! What do Pandas Look Like? The first bears the coloration that most people are familiar with — black spots and bands around the eyes, ears, and body.

This sub-species is sometimes called the black panda. The species is known as Ailuropoda melanoleuca melanoleuca and represents the majority of the wild population. The second subspecies, Ailuropoda melanoleuca qinlingensis , is more commonly known as the qinling panda , or brown panda. Instead of the black on white coloration, they unsurprisingly have dark brown on light brown coloring. Where do Pandas Live? How Many Pandas Are in the Wild? Browse Categories.