1. Giant Pandas Margaret England Science June 26, 2003

2. Habitat  Wild giant pandas are found only in southwestern China.  They live at altitudes ranging from 4,000 to 11,500 feet.  Pandas do not hibernate.  The average life span is 18 to 20 years in the wild, and up to 30 years in captivity.

3. Physical Characteristics  Body Length: 4-5 feet  Weight: 165-353 pounds  Tail: 5 inches  Coat is thick and wooly. It is white with black eye patches, ears, legs, band across shoulders and sometimes tip of tail. Fur is slightly oily preventing water penetration.

4. Diet  Giant pandas are omnivorous, but bamboo represents 99% of their diet.  Pandas spend 12 hours a day eating.

5. Conservation Efforts  There are only about 1,000 giant pandas alive in the wild.  China maintains panda reserves.  Zoos around the world maintain breeding and research programs.

6. Conclusion  Despite conservation efforts, Giant Pandas are among the most endangered species on earth.  Breeding in captivity programs have yet to prove reliable.  Without constant vigilance, these beautiful animals may some day be just a memory.

7. List of Sources  Middleton, Don. Giant Pandas. The Bear Den. June 26, 2003. http://www.nature-net.com/bears/panda.html.  Giant Panda Research Station. Zoological Society of San Diego. June 26, 2003 http://www.sandiegozoo.org/special/pandas. http://www.sandiegozoo.org/special/pandas  Giant Pandas. The World Wildlife Fund For Nature. June 26, 2003 http://www.panda.org/resources/factsheets/species/fct_panda.htm. http://www.panda.org/resources/factsheets/species/fct_panda.htm