Panda facts II

Updated: 2012-09-21 17:19
(chinadaily.com.cn)

>> By the end of 2011, the number of wild giant pandas in the world was about 1,590. There were about 333 human-fed giant pandas at that time.

>> The giant panda belongs to the genus Carnivora, Ailuropodinae. Since ancient times, the giant panda has had dozens of names in Chinese, such as 貔 (Pi), 貔貅(Pixiu)、貘 (Mo)、白熊 (Baixiong),白豹 (Baibao) and 食铁兽 (Shitie Shou).

>> The giant panda has existed on the earth for more than 800 years, making it one of the oldest surviving species and earning it the nickname of "living fossil."

>> On average, a giant panda can eat 40 kilograms of bamboo every day.

>> Giant pandas like sweet food, such as honey.

>> A giant panda's digestive tract is short, similar to that of a carnivore. They eat meat occasionally.

>> The giant panda is an omnivore.

>> Giant pandas like bathing, especially in hot weather.

>> An adult giant panda is about 120 to 190 centimeters long on average.

>> An adult giant panda has 42 teeth.

>> A giant panda can walk upright for a short distance.

>> A newborn panda grows at an average speed of 71 grams every day. A 6-month-old panda grows 110 grams every day.

>> Generally speaking, a mother giant panda gives birth to one to two babies at a time. Almost half of all human-fed female pandas give birth to twins. There have been two cases where a female panda gave birth to triplets.

>> In the wild, giant pandas give birth in large tree holes or caves.

>> Giant pandas have 19 kinds of barks, of which there are two kinds of barks that sound similar to dogs and sheep.

>> Wild giant pandas have an average life expectancy of 18-20 years. The eldest human-fed panda lived for 38 years.

>> Giant pandas do not hibernate.

>> Giant pandas can swim.

>> Giant pandas have poor eyesight because they are born with myopia.

>> The average weight of an adult male giant panda is 110-150 kilograms.

>> The average weight of an adult female giant panda is about 85-105 kilograms.

>> An adult giant panda has a normal body temperature between 36.5-37.5 degrees Celsius. When they sleep, their pulse beats 70-120 times per minute, and they have a respiration rate of 20-40 times per minute.

>> The companion animals of giant pandas include the red panda, golden monkey, takin and golden pheasant.

>> Common diseases of wild giant pandas include nutritional diseases and parasites. Common diseases of human-fed giant pandas are mainly digestive tract diseases due to high population density, humid environment and poor ventilation. Juvenile pandas are more vulnerable to these diseases.

Panda Facts
  • Panda facts I

    In China, most giant pandas live in the mountains of Qinling, Minshan, Qionglai, Daxiangling and Xiaoxiangling.

  • Panda facts II

    By the end of 2011, the number of wild giant pandas in the world was about 1,590.

Pandas Abroad
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