The Giant Panda (Ailuropoda Melanoleuca) lives in the bamboo forests of southwest China. This type of panda is endangered and to date, “there are only about a thousand left” (http//:panda.org, 1). “Adult giant pandas measure between 160 and 180 centimeters (5/14 to 6 feet). ). The weight of an adult male giant panda is normally between 80 and 125 kilograms (176 and 276 pounds), with males typically weighing about 10 to 20 percent more than females, about the same size as the bear black American. However, unlike the black bear, giant pandas do not hibernate and cannot walk on their hind legs” (Etling 1). “Giant pandas have massive heads, heavy bodies, short tails (about 5 inches), rounded ears, and plantigrade feet” (Etling 1). ). Giant pandas tend to “develop large molars specially designed for crushing fibrous plant matter” (Etling 1). The fur of giant pandas “is thick and coarse; it consists of a coarse outer coat and a very dense and woolly undercoat” (Etling 1). Panda fur is oily and “protects pandas from the cool, humid climate in which [they live]” (Etling 1). Their fur color is mostly white with black spots on its legs, ears, back, and eyes. This image shows the black color pattern on the fur of pandas. The lifespan of an average panda is 15 years. Some pandas even live into their twenties and those kept in captivity can even reach the age of thirty. “Dudu, the oldest known captive giant panda, recently died in China at the age of thirty-seven” (Etling 4). Pandas' bodies are large and it is difficult for them to get away from enemies or even just move around. pandas generally move in a slow and determined manner. When startled, they move at a slow trot to escape danger. Giant pandas, with their sharp claws, are able to climb trees very easily” (Etling 1). They climb trees to escape anything they believe poses a threat to them. “Although giant pandas rarely fight, they will make their disapproval known to others by growling and using their body language” (Etling 4). ...... middle of paper ......d protection of panda habitat. The funds will be specifically aimed at three Chinese nature reserves in Sichuan province: Wujiao, Baodinggou and Yele. In addition, behaviorists, endocrinologists, reproductive physiologists, geneticists and others from the Zoological Society's Center for Endangered Species Reproduction will begin in-depth studies of panda behavior and reproductive biology. (www.sandiegozoo.com) Pandas which are on the endangered species list. They are the second most endangered animal species. Although pandas are not expected to disappear from the endangered species list for some time, scientists predict that they will emerge from extinction. Although this may seem like a distant goal, with the help of laws, we hope that pandas will never come close to extinction. Bibliography1. Etling, geocities.com/Athens/Aroplis/94922. Jonkel, Charles. Encarta Encyclopedia “Giant Panda”. 1998. P. 13. Wenshi, Pan. china2thou.com/98124. hdmi.com/wol/Giantpanda5. nature-net.com/bears/panda6. panda/org/resources/factsheets/species/fct_panda7. sandiego.org/special/pandas/panda