While the Panda is one of the world’s most iconic species, known and loved across the world, this peaceful, bamboo-eating member of the bear family faces a number of threats to its survival. Its forest habitat is fragmented and populations are small and isolated from each other, and poaching remains an ever-present threat.
The giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) was once widespread throughout southern and eastern China, as well as neighbouring Myanmar (Burma) and northern Vietnam. Today, pandas mainly live in bamboo forests high in the mountains of western China, with most of the wild population distributed between the Qinling and Minshan Mountains.
By mid-2005, the Chinese government had established over 50 panda reserves, protecting more than 10,400 km² and over 45% of remaining giant panda habitat. However, habitat destruction continues to pose a threat to the many pandas living outside these areas.
As China's economy continues its rapid development, it is more important than ever to ensure the giant panda's continued survival. While progress is being made, numbers remain low. The IUCN’s Red List classifies the panda as Vulnerable, and threats to its survival remain.
The giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) was once widespread throughout southern and eastern China, as well as neighbouring Myanmar (Burma) and northern Vietnam. Today, pandas mainly live in bamboo forests high in the mountains of western China, with most of the wild population distributed between the Qinling and Minshan Mountains.
By mid-2005, the Chinese government had established over 50 panda reserves, protecting more than 10,400 km² and over 45% of remaining giant panda habitat. However, habitat destruction continues to pose a threat to the many pandas living outside these areas.
As China's economy continues its rapid development, it is more important than ever to ensure the giant panda's continued survival. While progress is being made, numbers remain low. The IUCN’s Red List classifies the panda as Vulnerable, and threats to its survival remain.
