Giant Panda Bears
Giant panda bears are probably the most recognized of the bear family, with an appearance as cute and cuddly as a stuffed toy more than a foraging bear. They are indeed living creatures, ones that have a fascinating life while also fighting to survive.
Giant panda bears have been used to epitomize the goals of the World Wildlife Foundation since its inception in 1961. While still endangered, it appears that the bear is slowly increasing in numbers as conservation efforts by both the WWF and the Chinese government are taking hold.
The mountainous regions of Southwest China provide the ideal habitat for the giant panda bears. Cloaked in thick mist and clouds, this area features forests of coniferous and leafy growth and thick patches of bamboo. It is here that giant panda bears live their gentle life; solitary, each feeding up to 12 hours each day on the bamboo in its territory. Up to 40 pounds of bamboo each day can be consumed by a single panda. Frequent feedings are necessary for this creature, whose digestive system is actually that of a carnivore rather than an herbivore. Scientists believe that at some point in evolutionary history, the panda simply switched from meat to bamboo to avoid competition with other carnivores. From time to time, mountain grasses and small animals may be added to their diet.
The appearance of giant panda bears is one that which is indelibly etched in just about everyone’s mind. The black and white combination, along with the placid, gentle face of the creature is one that many find to be so appealing. Males are generally larger than females with heights reaching as much as 6 feet tall and weights of around 250 pounds. Females may be three to four feet shorter and about 25 pounds lighter. A stocky build such as this indicates a slow moving creature as the panda indeed is. Their dense fur coats protect and warm them in the cold damp of the frequently rainy mountain areas.
The reproduction of giant panda bears is one of the reasons it is an endangered species. Traditionally, females go into heat once per year, and produce a single cub. Sexual maturity is reached between the ages of four and eight, and may continue to be productive until they are 20 years of age. Timing is critical in mating, as the female is only receptive for 3 to 4 days. Because of their solitary habits, the female alerts males by calling and emitting a scent indicating her readiness. The female may mate several times with multiple males.
Tiny cubs, about the size of a stick of butter, are born after a gestation period of 90 to 150 days. It is totally dependant on its mother for the first few months. The giant panda bear’s cub learns to walk around 3 months, and is usually weaned when it is about a year old. At 18-24 months, the baby is ready to venture off on its own.
Giant panda bears are creatures that are well recognized in the world, and hopefully, will continue to be a species that will remain in existence for future generations to enjoy.