The Giant Panda – Environmental Symbol, Real Extinction Problem
Perhaps the most recognizable symbol of animal extinction is the Giant Panda, which is understandable; Giant Pandas are teetering on the edge of extinction, and, let’s be honest, they are very cute and lovable. So, given our emotional connection to the Giant Panda and the very REAL danger they face, it’s important to spread the word of their plight so that we, as a society, can do something before it’s too late.
About the Giant Panda
The Giant Panda’s scientific name is “Ailuropoda melanoleuca” and it lives in mountain areas of Southwest China, including the provinces of Gansu and Sichuan. In addition, they are related to the bear family, although the extent of that relationship is still debated by scientists. Yet most agree that Giant Pandas are, at the very least, a bear “sub family”.
This “cuddly looking” animal is grows up to 1.5 meters long and can achieve a weight of 160 kg. And, as is well know, it boasts a thick coat of black and white hair, with a white torso and head, black legs and ears, and its hallmark black eye patches. In addition, Giant Pandas primarily live on bamboo plants, and constantly travel in search of fresh crops on which to survive.
The “Extinction” Problem
Believe it or not, despite its media ubiquity, there are between 1000 and 2000 Giant Pandas in the wild, with an additional 100 in zoos! Think about that…imagine a whole population reduced to 1000 individual. Could you, for example, even conceive of only 1000 humans in existence?
So why is there such a diminished population? The primary reason is the human threat to the Giant Panda’s habitat. From village encroachment, to the development of roads and railroads, people are increasingly usurping Giant Panda feeding grounds, leaving them nowhere to go. In addition, hunters engage in an “underground Panda trade” and illegally poach these animals, further driving the species toward extinction.
Possible Solutions
Fortunately, society has taken notice of the plight of the Giant Panda. This includes the Chinese government which has set up 50 Panda Reserves. Essentially, authorities have set aside over 2.5 million acres for Giant Pandas, where they can live, at least in theory, without fear of human destruction.
Get Involved!
We all live on this plant and thus we all have a responsibility to protect vulnerable species such as the Giant Panda! If you care, let your voice be heard…comment on blogs, reach out to government and environmental agencies, and just spread the word!
We are all citizens of the planet…we are all responsible.
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