Why are pandas endangered?

Endangered Species

An endangered species is a species whose population is so small that it is in danger of becoming extinct. Extinction is when an animal no longer exists. Many countries have laws offering special protection to these species (forbidding hunting, banning their habitats from development, etc.) to prevent this.

The main reason an animal becomes endangered is because of destruction of their natural habitat, plus hunting or poaching. With the pandas there are additional difficulties with mating and problems with their food source, bamboo dying off.

The results of a new comprehensive survey of the giant panda in the wild indicate there are 1,600 animals left in the wild. This number is higher than previous estimates, due to improved census methods and the fact that the study was very thorough. Wild pandas are still one of the most seriously endangered species in the world.

Pandas were classified as an endangered species in the 1980’s, and are on the World Conservation Union’s Red List of Threatened Animals. The United States’ Endangered Species Act protects the giant pandas, as does the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).


Habitat

Habitat is the environment where an animal lives. The panda habitat was once widespread in southern and eastern China, Vietnam and Myanmar (Burma), but their habitat has been greatly reduced over time. Today the habitat of the panda is limited to the mountains in only a few provinces of southwestern China. Most are in the Sichuan Province, but they are also found in Shaanxi and Gansu provinces. Their range is along the eastern rim of the Tibetan Plateau.

The species has lived for centuries in coniferous forests with dense undergrowth of bamboo, at elevations of 5,000 to 11,000 feet. Rain or dense mist throughout the year shrouds these remote forests in heavy clouds. In the winter snow is common.

The panda’s primary food source is bamboo. The bamboo grows under the shade cover of the large fir trees in the mountains. Giant pandas do not seem to have a permanent den, since they do not hibernate. In the winter, they will seek shelter in hollow trees.

The destruction of the pandas’ natural habitat, which is the bamboo forests, and expanding human populations are the main threats to the giant panda. The impact of rapid human population growth has seen the destruction of a large part of their habitat. Logging and clearing the land for agricultural uses is a major factor in the reduction of bamboo. In an effort to protect the panda, the Chinese government forbids logging in the panda reserves.

The 40 panda reserves in China need to be connected via corridors in order to reduce isolation and fragmentation of the panda population. Fragmentation is when the pandas live in separate areas or the areas are broken up. Villages and human activities block open range for their migration or movement.

The fragmentation of panda areas is one problem with their mating. Another problem related to the fragmentation of the panda areas is that the bamboo will flower and then die off about every 20 to 40 years. When this occurs the pandas need to migrate to a new area. There have been reports of pandas starving when they are unable to find bamboo in new areas.
Today, the panda forests are under attack by dramatic increases in human population. Agriculture, ranching, logging, trapping, and human settlement dramatically threaten their habitat. Previously they have lived at lower elevations. However farming and clearing of the forest have now pushed them higher into the mountains.

In the past poaching has been a problem for the pandas, but the government has enacted severe punishment for anyone caught killing a panda. Sometimes, pandas are caught in traps intended for other animals and are either injured or killed.

Mating of pandas is difficult. In the wild, pandas live in seclusion, except during the breeding season. Breeding maturity for pandas is generally between four and eight years. Females breed only once a year, in the spring. The female’s reproductive period is only a few days. In the wild, pandas use scent markings and calls to locate a mate during the reproduction period. If there is not a male in the area, or if the male cannot reach the female due to obstructions in their path such as roads or power lines, they will not mate.

Pandas nest on the ground or in hollow trees, giving birth approximately 100 to 150 days after they have mated. Females give birth to one or two cubs. Triplets are extremely rare. If twins are born, usually only one survives in the wild. Cubs will stay with their mothers for about two years, thus females only reproduce every other year. The cubs are extremely small, about 8 ounces, and very fragile so their survival a challenge.

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What is being done to save the pandas?

Education

Education regarding the status of the pandas is extremely important around the world.


Conservation

In the 1940s the Chinese government began conservation efforts to protect the giant pandas. Then in1963, the China Research & Conservation Center for the Giant Panda at the Wolong Nature Reserve, Sichuan Province, China was established. Today there are a total of 40 panda reserves, across Southwestern China. These reserves protect not only the giant Pandas, but also the red panda, the golden monkeys, takin (a small goat type animal) and many other species.

The China Conservation and Conservation Center for the Giant Panda at Wolong is located on the Pi Tiao River, southeast of the Qionglai Mountains. The reserve is 20 hectors or 50 acres.
The Logging Ban is strictly enforced in the reserves and all vehicles must past through checkpoints.

Captive breeding

In 1986, the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda at Wolong had the first successful captive panda birth. Today, it is the premier panda breeding facility in the world and also the largest. Captive births at the Wolong Center average between 6 to 11 per year. There are numerous outdoor semi natural enclosures, a hospital and a nursery.

The nursery at the Wolong Center is staffed 24 hours a day 7 days a week, to care for the newborn pandas, which require feeding every three to four hours. Extensive diaries are kept on each animal. The ratio of staff is one caretaker for every two pandas.

The veterinarians and staff at the Wolong Center pioneered a reproductive break through in the birth of twins. When panda twins are born, the mother usually selects the stronger of the twins and rejects the other cub. This is possibly due to a lack of mother’s milk. While one cub stays with the mother, staff hand rears the other twin in incubators in the nursery. In order for both cubs to receive the benefits of their mother’s milk and their mother’s nurturing the infants are alternated between the mother and the nursery. Each spends one week with the mother, then the next week in the nursery. This method ensures the survival of both panda babies.

Captive born cubs go to the kindergarten when they leave their mothers at about one year of age. Here they learn about their new environment and to accept milk, formula, carrots, apples, and to start eating bamboo. In the wild a panda will stay with their mother till they are about two years of age.


Reintroduction

Reintroduction is the process of returning an animal born in captivity back into the wild or their natural environment. This must be a very slow and gradual process to ensure the animal can make the transition from being cared for by humans in captivity to caring for themselves in the wild.

A two-year-old male panda at Wolong recently became the first to enter the initial stage of the reintroduction program. The reintroduction program is starting with a 2.7-acre enclosure on the top of the mountain at Wolong. Although he is given vitamin biscuits, and checked on twice a day by staff, he must find all his own bamboo within the enclosure. To ensure he is maintaining proper weight, he is weighed daily, and his weight compared with his twin brother being raised at the research center.


Research

There is research being doing both in China and other parts of the world on panda mating, habitat, digestion, behavior, and all other aspects of their being.

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What is the outlook for the panda?

Current estimate of 1600 pandas

Efforts to save the endangered panda appear to be helping in the short term. The newest population study on wild pandas does show an increase over previous counts.
The Chinese government has released the results of the most comprehensive survey of giant pandas ever. It found that there were around 1,600 pandas left in the wild, 40% more than previous figures. But, the numbers may reflect the fact that the survey was more thorough, rather than a genuine recovery in numbers, so an actual increase in pandas is uncertain, but possible. Even at 1600, their survival is still in extreme peril.

"Because of improved census methods, we have a more accurate count of how many there are in the wild, where they are, and the state of the habitat on which they depend," said World Wildlife Fund China's (WWF) James Harkness. "The results of the survey will be used to help ensure that over the next few years we make even greater strides to protect this rare and precious animal."

The latest survey, China's third since the 1970s, represents a huge success for China's conservation efforts. It has been far more comprehensive than previous studies. It covered a wider area of western China, and used much more sophisticated surveillance technologies. The pandas were tracked through their droppings, and their distribution, as well as, mapping their population density.

The people of China seem to understand that the Panda is their “National Treasure” and they often bring sick or injured pandas to the reserves. Both the people and the Government are learning the value of the panda in terms of tourism and travel to China.


Captive Breeding/Reintroduction

The success of the captive breeding program is allowing the reintroduction of captive-born pandas back into the wild to proceed.


Outlook

The Outlook is guardedly optimistic, still at a critical point. The future of the panda is interwoven with the Chinese people and the corporate citizenship of companies moving into the Chinese market. New opportunities for the Chinese workforce in manufacturing, new advances in environmentally responsible farming, the introduction of high yield crops to reduce logging, and population control efforts will all help the pandas. The outlook for the giant pandas is linked to aggressive conservation efforts as well as successful captive breeding. Biological diversity and sustainability are essential.

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What is Pandas International doing to support the panda?

Support for Panda Reserves

Pandas International is a world wide a non-profit foundation devoted to Saving the Giant Panda. These rare and magnificent animals are truly a treasure to all who care about wild animals and endangered species.

Pandas International was created in 2000 to assist the Chinese Veterinarians with their very limited medical equipment and funds. This magnificent and charming species captures the interest of all who fear for their survival. Pandas International provides veterinary and medical equipment and supplies to the Panda Reserves, supports the breeding programs and is assisting in the reintroduction of captive born pandas into the wild.

The organization supports the China Conservation & Research Centers for the Giant Pandas at both the Wolong panda reserve, Sichuan Province and the Bifengxia panda reserve, Yaan City. The captive panda population was divided between the two reserves in 2003, as a preventative action for any potential disease outbreak or epidemic at a single reserve.

Dr. Li Desheng, Senior Veterinarian and Director of Panda Management at the Wolong Nature Reserve, oversees the premier breeding program at Wolong. He is in charge of the nursery, the breeding, and the caretakers in the nursery. The survival rate for captive born pandas at Wolong is now at 90%. This success rate is due to their method of raising twin cubs, the dedicated staff and new incubators provided by Pandas International.

Baby pandas are prone to digestive problems. Dr. Tang, Senior Veterinarian is charge of the Hospital at the Wolong Center. Dr. Tang has been developing innovative new nutritional biscuits to insure the growing pandas receive adequate nutrition.

In addition to breeding and caring for captive pandas, both centers also provide medical care for injured or sick wild pandas. Many wild pandas are brought to the reserves in critical condition. It is extremely difficult for veterinarians to diagnose many medical problems since their hospitals lacked necessary modern medical equipment and supplies.
Mission
The mission of Pandas International is to raise and provide monies for – all types of veterinary care including medical equipment and medicines, habitat preservation and enhancement, and research. In addition Pandas International offers education programs to increase public awareness of the panda as a highly endangered species.

Education programs on the pandas and their plight are available to schools, parents and organizations.


Past Donations to the Panda Reserves from Pandas International

•	Incubators for the newborn cubs born in captivity
•	Laptop computers for field work to record, share data, and transmit information
•	Digital cameras, to transmit pictures, situations, and information to other scientists and to Pandas International
•	VetScan blood chemistry analyzers and new software for the blood analysis equipment to accurately and rapidly diagnose the Pandas
•	Digital scales for a variety of uses- to weigh food rations for adult pandas and baby formula for cubs, to more accurately measure the baby pandas’ progress, to accurately administer medications and also weigh and compare adult pandas at the reserves and during reintroduction into an adjacent wild area
•	Basic medical equipment for the hospital – such as catheter needles, surgical tape, stretch tape, disposable syringes
•	Tranquilizers and Immobilization delivery devise and Air-piped anesthesia device to administer tranquilizers, for the hospital and the reintroduction program
•	All types of basic hospital supplies including- surgical tape, syringes, worming paste, etc.
•	Veterinary medications for the hospital
•	Reagents and urinary hormones for the breeding program
•	Adoption of numerous pandas at the center with the funds going to provide for their care

2005- 2006 Current Projects

•	Additional Incubators for Increasing birth numbers
•	Many different hormonal testing supplies to assist in reproductive rates
•	Supplies for the VetScan blood chemistry Analyzers
•	A Global Positioning System (GPS), for the reintroduction program to monitor their travels and ensure their health and safety. Reintroduction must be a very slow and gradual process to ensure the captive born panda will survive in the wild. The reintroduction objective is to re-establish a significant wild population. Once pandas are released they will once again be free.
•	Additional basic medical equipment and supplies for seasonal and yearly needs

Saving this species is truly a race against time!

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Why save the panda?

This is difficult to put into words, but we will attempt to offer several answers.

First, pandas have survived for centuries, even surviving the ice age, so it would tragic if they became extinct now during our lifetime - known only through books and museums.

Future generations deserve to see and know pandas. Pandas are one of the wonders of the animal kingdom and deserve their rightful place in the natural world.

Pandas are one of nature’s creatures and all of nature’s creatures are precious and should be protected.

We know that the decline of the panda is not part of the “natural process”, but due to habitat destruction and other factors. Since humans are responsible for their decline, humans should be conscientious to save them.

Additionally, there is an interdependency of all living creatures on this earth or ecosystem. Plants and animal species are the foundation of healthy ecosystems. When a species becomes endangered it is an indicator that the health of the ecosystem is declining. Losing one component of the ecosystem can trigger the loss of other animal species. (For a complete Biodiversity glossary go to http://www.fws.gov/endangered/kids/pdf/glossary.pdf )

Extinction is Forever. Endangered still means we have time. What we do now will decide their fate.

Congress even addressed this question in the preamble to the Endangered Species Act of 1973, recognizing that endangered species of fish, wildlife, and plants "are of aesthetic, ecological, educational, historical, recreational, and scientific value to the Nation and its people." In this statement, Congress was summarizing a number of convincing arguments advanced by scientists, conservationists, and others who are greatly concerned by the disappearance of unique creatures.

Lastly pandas are one of the cutest, most magnificent, adorable animals on the earth giving joy to adults and children alike.

Perhaps the best way to answer this question is through your own senses. We would like to know what you think about “Why Save the Panda!”

Write a short essay with you own thoughts about why it is important to save the panda or all endangered species.

Email it to us at pandabear@pandasinternational.org or mail it to us at:
Pandas International
PO Box 620335
Littleton, CO 80162

Be sure to include your name, address, age, and other information if you like.

By submitting an essay you will be giving Pandas International the right to use your essay on the web site or in newsletters.

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What can you do to help save the pandas?
There are many things you can do:

Click here to become a member of Pandas International, all levels help!

Adopt or Sponsor a panda through Pandas International.

Send free post cards to friends and family from our web site telling them you care about the pandas and that they are endangered.

If you are a student, ask your teacher to do a class project on the pandas and perhaps sponsor a panda or raise money for the pandas.

Host a panda party for your next birthday you are never to old to help the pandas.

If you are a member of a scout troop or other organization you can sell 2006 calendars, book marks, pins. Contact us for details.

Give panda products from our web site this holiday session or ask for a panda sponsorship for your holiday present

Pandas International has received donations from student and organization’s car washes, lemonade stands, bake sales, etc for the pandas. Contact us for details.

Clean out your attic or basement and hold a garage sale with proceeds going to help the pandas

Start an environmental club to help the pandas at your school or office. Contact us for details.

You can now help Pandas International just by doing your regular shopping. Pandas International is now a member organization of eScrip. eScrip is a proven resource for fundraising where participating business partners contribute a percentage of your grocery loyalty cards, credit cards, and debit/ ATM card purchases to the school, group or organization of your choice i.e. Pandas International. Here's how it works You register any one or all of your existing grocery loyalty, and debit or credit cards for use in the program. Register at www.eScrip.com! Participating merchants will then make contributions to Pandas International based on purchases made by you, just by using the cards you have registered. Program includes Safeway, Vons, Wild Oats, Office Max, Whole Foods, Eddie Bauer, Macy's and many more. A complete list of participants in the program is available on the eScrip website under family of merchants. Your purchases are tracked and available to you online, allowing you to see just how much you are earning on the panda's behalf! To Register Click here for a link www.eScrip.com. Register now! Or go to www.eScript.com in the orange band across the page, click on sign up, under “Search to see if your group is enrolled with the program” - enter Pandas International and click on search, then click on Pandas International, then next, then complete supporter registration.

Would you like to help raise Money for Pandas International?

Do you like to participate in walking, running, biking, or any other event? Would you like to raise money from Birthdays, weddings and anniversaries? If so, here’s a great way to raise money for Pandas International that’s fun and easy! Firstgiving, an online fundraising service, lets you set up your own personal fundraising page for any event you like. Personalize your page with a message and photos and email the link to friends and family or add the page to your blog. Your friends and family make an online donation and the funds are transferred automatically to Pandas International. Firstgiving keeps track of everything. Go to www.firstgiving.com to learn more!

Mark of Washington state raised $ 835.00 with firstgiving by participating in the Vancouver Marathon. Click here to see the page Mark created for Pandas International.

Start your event now!


Shop online and raise money for the pandas with Giveline.com!

Giveline is an easy-to-use online store that offers over a million bestselling products including electronics, home and garden, books, movies, video games, and music. With every purchase you make with Giveline, between 7 and 33 percent of product sales will be contributed to Pandas International, with a store-wide average of nearly 16 percent per transaction. The amount donated varies by product but is displayed on every product page as well as throughout the checkout process. Signing up is free, so start shopping today with Giveline and give to the pandas!

To select Pandas International to receive your donations when you shop with Giveline please follow this link: http://www.giveline.com/default.asp?v=V066821796


What if Pandas International earned a penny every time you searched the Internet?

Here’s how to raise money for Pandas International: Go to www.goodsearch.com Enter Pandas International in the box that reads “enter your charity here…” Click the “verify” button next to this box Pandas International will appear in the box- you only have to do this once! Use Good Search for all of your internet searches

Well, now we can! GoodSearch.com is a new search engine that donates half its revenue, about a penny per search, to the charities its users designate. You use it just as you would any search engine, and it's powered by Yahoo!, so you get great results.

Just go to www.goodsearch.com and be sure to enter Pandas International as the charity you want to support. Just 500 of us searching four times a day will raise about $7300 in a year without anyone spending a dime! And, be sure to spread the word!

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