Giant pandas are endangered, which means, they are currently in danger of becoming extinct if changes are not made. The major factors that contribute to the giant pandas endangerment is the loss of their habitat, much of which is a result of a growing human population. As mentioned in my last blog, Pandas live in China. They are endangered in China (2). China has the largest population in the world and it continues to grow. Since it has the most amount of people, humans are taking land from the pandas in order for them to find a place to live. This forces the pandas to live in the mountains (3). The population of pandas is then fragmented into different areas in China, isolated from other pandas (6). Since they are isolated, they cannot meet other pandas in order to mate (3). This also makes the pandas less genetically diverse and disrupts their social organization (6). The land the panda occupies is used for medical herb collecting, which disrupts the pandas natural habitat. Large scale development such as roads on land also divides their habitat. The land is also cleared for timber and agriculture (4). Tourism also disrupts the land used by the pandas. The loss of the pandas habitat is the major cause of their endangerment, but there are other causes.
Another reason for the pandas endangerment is the result of bamboo die-offs (1). In the Sichuan Province, the amount of bamboo shrunk by 50% between 1974 and 1989. Bamboo is frequently being harvested (4). A disadvantage of bamboo is that all bamboo of a certain species will grow and die at the same time in specific areas (7). Since pandas need a lot of bamboo to survive, the shortage of bamboo is a reason for their endangerment.
Poaching is also a reason for the panda bears endangerment. Pandas are poached for their skin (6). There is a ten year jail sentence for poaching a panda (4). Pandas often fall into traps set for other animals (7).
Another reason for the pandas endangerment is the result of bamboo die-offs (1). In the Sichuan Province, the amount of bamboo shrunk by 50% between 1974 and 1989. Bamboo is frequently being harvested (4). A disadvantage of bamboo is that all bamboo of a certain species will grow and die at the same time in specific areas (7). Since pandas need a lot of bamboo to survive, the shortage of bamboo is a reason for their endangerment.
Poaching is also a reason for the panda bears endangerment. Pandas are poached for their skin (6). There is a ten year jail sentence for poaching a panda (4). Pandas often fall into traps set for other animals (7).
In my next blog I will discuss what is being done to help the pandas.
That is very sad to learn that pandas fall into traps set from other animals.
ReplyDeleteCan bamboo only be found in china? If not could they grow more bamboo in oter places for humans and let the natural bamboo grown in china be used for the pandas?
ReplyDeleteNo, bamboo is not only found in China. It takes time to grow bamboo, but many people want bamboo for paper because it is becoming an alternative to wood. People are even using bamboo for their floors at home.
ReplyDelete