Robust, peaceful, intent on munching on a piece of bamboo cane: this is probably one of the most widespread images of the Giant Panda, a truly particular creature and, today, threatened by various problems.

“Giant Panda” or “Greater Panda” (scientific name “Ailuropoda melanoleuca”) is the full name of the ursid which has become the symbol of the WWF: it distinguishes it from its “relative”, the “Lesser Panda”, which differs greatly both in size than in color.

But let's go back to the famous black and white bear, originally from the Sichuan region of China: an animal that for years represented a small puzzle for researchers. In fact, it presents both characteristics that belong to bears and others that bring it closer to raccoons. From in-depth genetic tests, it became clear that the Giant Panda is a bear in all respects, with a particular diet.

In fact, although it is theoretically omnivorous, it feeds mainly on plants: bamboo is now permanently associated in the common imagination with this ursid.

Here are some peculiarities of the cute black and white animal, which sees its habitat threatened.

That “sixth finger”

The Panda's front paws apparently have a "sixth toe" that the animal uses to firmly grasp bamboo canes. In reality it is not really a finger, but a modification of the wrist bone that occurred with evolution. Whatever its origin, however, the Panda really likes this feature which helps it eat better!

The reason for the unusual color of the Giant Panda

It is believed that the particular black and white color is due to the habits of this animal, which does not hibernate and continues to wander around in search of food even in winter . The black and white fur helps it camouflage itself in the bare, mountainous environments of winter on the cold heights of Sichuan.

A not very prolific animal

The existence of pandas is threatened by the destruction of their natural habitats , with the reduction of the presence of bamboo; However, another critical issue is represented by its not very prolific nature. The reproductive period generally does not exceed three weeks per year. Furthermore, usually no more than three babies are born and only one survives.

It also seems that these animals are very selective in choosing a partner!

In addition to the existence of specialized centers, the protection of pandas is also guaranteed by environmental protection operations: in freedom, two-colored bears have more possibilities to move over vast territories, meeting non-related partners and giving birth to cubs that present new combinations genetics.

A big sweet tooth

We can understand how much the reduction of bamboo in nature represents a problem, from the quantities that the Panda devours daily to survive: around 12.5 kg per day . In fact, he spends between 12 and 16 hours a day busy feeding himself!

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