The Giant Panda

An Interactive PowerPoint Presentation by:

Audra Bradley

The Giant PandaDescriptionNameDietHabitatPandas in CaptivityClassificationHuman InteractionConservationTop 10 Endangered SpeciesApril is Giant Panda Month!Panda ArtWorksheetSourcesAbout the Author

DescriptionBlack and white coat

Theory #1 CamouflageTheory #2 Colors stand out to a potential mate

Lives to be 20-=30 years oldDo not hibernateMales larger than females-up to 250 lbs!Looks are deceiving…pandas are actually quite dangerous!

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Name 大熊貓 Chinese word for panda literally translates to “large

bear cat”

Physiologically, the eyes of most other bear species have round pupils, but the giant pandas have pupils that are vertical slits like cats' eyes. These unusual eyes, combined with its ability to effortlessly scale trees, maybe what inspired the Chinese to call the panda the "bear cat."

A.K.A. “Spotted bear” or “Bamboo bear”

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Diet

Spend 12 hours a day eating bamboo!Bamboo is low in nutrients to panda eat up to 84 lbs a day! Have been known to eat; grasses, bulbs, fruits, some insects, and even rodents and carrion.

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Habitat

This link allows you to watch live images of Mei Xiang, a giant panda, and her cub, Tai Shan, at the Smithsonian's National Zoo in Washington, D.C. The cub was born at 3:41 a.m. on Saturday, July 9. Zoo keepers were happy to see Mei Xiang cradling and cuddling her cub only two minutes after its birth.

http://animal.discovery.com/cams/pandavidr.html

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Range: southwestern China, in six small forest fragmentsHabitat: damp, misty forests of bamboo and conifers, in altitudes above 4,000 feet (1,200 meters)

Pandas in Captivity“A 2006 New York Times article

outlined the economics of keeping pandas, which costs five times more than that of the next most expensive animal, an elephant. American zoos must pay the Chinese government $1 million a year in fees, as part of a typically ten-year contract. San Diego's contract with China is the first to expire, in 2008. The last contract, in Memphis, ends in 2013” (Wikipedia 1).

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ClassificationDistantly related to red panda Characteristics of both bear and raccoonGenetic testing shows a member of Ursidae familyPanda often called a “living fossil”

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Human Interaction

In Ancient China pandas believed to be rare and noble creaturesSome Chinese nobility even buried with skulls or pelts of pandasPanda introduced to the West in 18691920’s first panda shot

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1936 Ruth Harkness first Westerner to bring back a live giant panda

Conservation

Pandas are endangered speciesOnly 1,600 pandas left on EarthReasons for Extinction:

Low reproductive rateBamboo shortagesHabitat destructionHunting

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Top 10 Endangered Species

Black Rhino Giant Panda TigerBeluga Sturgeon GoldensealAlligator

Snapping Turtle Hawksbill Turtle Big Leaf Mahogany Green-Cheeked ParrotMako Shark

World Wildlife Federation (WWF) the top 10 most endangered species are:

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April is GIANT PANDA month!!

Who: Zoo Volunteers, Pandas, & You!What: Learning about pandas, wishing the zoo “happy birthday”, & winning prizes!Where: Smithsonian National Zoological ParkWhen: Starting April 4 @ 11 am

For more information visit http://nationalzoo.si.edu

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Panda Art ProjectsPanda Mask:1. Color panda mask2. Cut out3. Hole punch side holes for string4. Knot string through each hole and attach5. Measure string to fit head6. Enjoy!

Panda Head:1. Use paper or styrofoam plate2. Cut out 4 black circles3. Use 2 of 4 black circles for ears4. Glue ears to underside of plate5. Cut holes in remaining two circles6. Glue on for eyes7. Take handful of white stuffing8. Glue on as nose and 9. Secure small black paper for nose

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Sources

http://www.wikipedia.orghttp://www.worldwildlife.orghttp://nationalzoo.si.eduhttp:www.sandiegozoo.orghttp:www.nationalgeographic.com

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About the Author

I am currently attending Grand Valley State University working towards a Bachelor’s Degree of Arts and hope to teach at the elementary level.

I love working with children, reading, camping, learning, and exploring. You can reach me

bradleau@student.gvsu.edu

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