Ailuropoda melanoleuca:
Giant Panda
Native to southwest China to the east coast of the Tibetan Plateau, Ailuropoda melanoleuca are currently considered to be one of the most endangered and threatened species. They usually live up to 20-30 years in captivity and between 14-20 years in the wild. Male pandas tend to be 10-20% larger than the females. They live mainly on land but are also able to climb trees. During winter, they move to warmer areas instead of hibernating. They reach their sexual maturity at age 4-8, but can reproduce until age 20. Mating season occurs in March and May, when the female goes into estrous period, which occurs only once a year and lasts 2 to 3 days. Giant pandas tend to have a low birthrate, at one young every two years. They are usually found alone except during the brief mating season. The cubs are very small at birth, weighing between 90 to 130 grams; therefore, the mother must take care of them until 2 years of age. Giant pandas are primarily herbivores but they have a digestive system of a carnivore and thus are unable to digest cellulose and don’t get enough energy from bamboo. Their diet consists of 99% bamboo and they consume about 9 to 14 kg in a day. These mammals are threatened by continual loss of habitat due to conversion of forests to agricultural areas, bamboo harvesting, poaching and large-scale development activities. Nature reserves have been created to protect giant pandas from extinction.