Panda Profile

Giant Pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) are native to China and have become an informal emblem of the nation.  They are about 3 feet tall and weigh 220 pounds.  Distinctive black and white fur is thick and oily to prevent it from getting wet in its mountain habitat. 

Types of Pandas

Besides the famed Giant Panda, the Red Panda and two sub species exist (Ailuropoda melanoleuca melanoleuca are also black and white and are found in Sichuan; Ailuropoda melanoleuca qinlingensis is restricted to extremely high elevations and have light and dark brown spots as well as a smaller skull.)

Diet

The giant panda's teddy bear face is due to the large jaw muscles needed to eat the hard bamboo.  Pandas are often referred to as “panda bears.”  It sits upright while feeding.  An extra thumb helps pandas manipulate the bamboo which is its main source of food.

The panda is active and usually eating 15 hours out of the day (the rest of the day is spent resting). 

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