My picture gallery is about the lovable and charismatic panda which is one of the most popular animals in the world. Unfortunately, it is also one of the most endangered. My picture gallery is for students in the 4th thourgh 6th grades in science class. I'll give children information of the panda: physical description, feeding habit, and conservation efforts. Through the picture gallery, not only do children learn about the panda's characters, but also they'll think about how they are able to protect the most endagered animal in the world.
Why we love the panda?The Giant Panda has an endearing quality not found in most animals. The panda's cuddly, and cute appearance and charming character make it an exceptionally loveable creature. Seldom aggressive unless protecting their young, the panda is peaceful, and gentle.
Pandas are classified as carnivores, however their diet is closer to that of herbivores. The pandas' diet consists almost entirely of bamboo stalks, shoots and roots. They eat from 25 to 40 pounds per day. There are about 25 different types of bamboo. Pandas eat for up to 14 hours a day. Their unique paws make it possible for them to hold the bamboo and bite the stalks. They generally eat in a sitting position, but also like to snack while lying on their backs.
Older pandas spend most of their time eating or sleeping, but younger pandas like to play. They play with other pandas, running, chasing each other and climbing trees, and tumbling on the ground. Pandas are truly "rolly polly" creatures when they play.
According to the last panda census released in 2004, there are around 1,600 giant pandas occupying about 14,000 square miles of habitat scattered across six mountain ranges in southwestern China. Habitat loss and fragmentation are the most pressing threats to the giant panda.
In 1986, the China Research and Conservation Center for the Giant Panda at the Wolong had the first successful captive panda birth. In the last three years there have been 23 births at the Wolong Center. 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.
*More information about the Panda*
http://www.giantpandabear.com/
