African elephant


header: Giant Panda

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WCMC


header: Threatened Species

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C O N T E N T S

Introduction
Distribution
Population
Threats
Conservation &
Research Activities
Legal Status
Captive Breeding
References



Pandas are robust, bear-like animals with a distinctive black and white coat. They have a head and body length of 120 to 150 cm, and weigh between 85 and 110 kg. Specialized physical features include broad, flat molars, modified for crushing, and an enlarged wristbone functioning as an opposable thumb - both adaptations for eating bamboo stems. The diet of the panda is very specific, consisting almost entirely of the leaves, stems and shoots of various bamboo species; though they occasionally hunt for fish and small mammals. . . .

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