1. The Giant Panda Becca Doermann 4A APES

2. Description Adult pandas are more than 4 feet long They weigh from 220 to 330 pounds Their scientific name is Ailuropoda Melanleuca Their diet consists of 26 to 84 pounds of bamboo per day They are productive because they spread seeds in forests They are considered a flagship species. They aid in conservation efforts, but their actions are not dramatic

3. Location They live in bamboo forests, high in mountains of Western China They are located near the Yangtze River. This location consists of forests, freshwaters, wetlands, mountains that are vital to their existence

4. Endangered Reasons Though they are endangered, pandas have no natural predators However, there are severe threats from humans Threats usually surround hunting and poaching One of the major reasons for the loss of population is the habitat loss This is due to the building of roads and railways through the forest.

5. Remaining As of 2004, there were 1,600 pandas left in the wild Pandas are the rarest member of the bear family 40% of the population was lost in the 1980’s Now, the population is said to be increasing

6. Importance As pandas travel to eat, they spread seeds in bamboo forests This facilitates growth of vegetation Tourism in order to see these creatures brings money to local economy In their habitat, there are many endangered species. Helping them will help others as well

7. Revitalize WWF works in China to assist and influence policy-level conservation decisions Goals of WWF Increase habitat Bring isolated pandas to community Patrol against poaching, illegal logging, encroachment

8. Ensure Survival Bringing awareness to the cause will inform people that there are bigger problems than we can see. They will be more willing to help Pandas need a more sustainable living condition. This is ensure that they have a place to be if their habitat is lost Since people live near them, they need to know how to coexitst with them

9. Current Efforts Current conservation efforts are successful because population is increasing Their natural habitat is increasing because people are giving them their space Threats from poaching and illegal logging have reduced due to new legislation in place Community has agreed to work with WWF to coexist in order to help the population rise.

10. Citations Fowler, A. (1995) Giant Pandas: Gifts From China. Chicago, Illinois. Children’s Press. Gunther, M. (2013, May 23). Giant Panda. World Wildlife Foundation. January 27, 2014, worldwildlife.org. (2013). Basic Facts About Pandas. Defenders of Wildlife. January 27, 2014, www.defenders.org.