10 Interesting Facts about Pandas – Get to Know More about these Adorable Creatures!
Have you ever seen a panda? If you have, then you know how cute and charming they are. Pandas are a unique species of bears that fascinate people all over the world. Here are some interesting facts about pandas that will help you know more about these adorable creatures.
1. Pandas have a peculiar diet
Pandas are known for their love of bamboo. In fact, it makes up almost 99% of their diet. However, pandas supplement their diet with occasional small mammals and birds. The reason pandas consume bamboo is because they have a modified wrist bone that works as a ‘thumb’. This thumb helps them easily grasp bamboo stalks, remove the leaves, and consume the soft core. Pandas are believed to consume 20-40 pounds of bamboo every day!
2. They have a unique digestive system
Pandas lack a special enzyme called cellulose. This makes it difficult for them to break down the tough outer layer of bamboo. As a result, they have a special digestive system that allows them to absorb nutrients from bamboo. Unlike other bears, pandas have an enlarged and elongated wrist bone that works as a ‘pseudo thumb’ to grip the bamboo, leading to better digestion.
3. Pandas are excellent climbers
Pandas, despite their large size, are excellent climbers. They have a special adaptation of an extra bone in their front paw that helps them grip the trees and climb. Pandas can climb as high as 13,000 feet in the wild.
4. They have a distinctive coat
Pandas have a white and black coat. The black markings are meant to help them blend into the shadows of trees in their natural habitat. The white fur helps them to remain invisible in the snow-covered mountains.
5. Pandas have poor eyesight
Pandas have poor eyesight, but they have an acute sense of smell that helps them locate bamboo groves. They are also able to communicate with other pandas using a variety of sounds, such as bleats, moans, and honks.
6. Pandas are endangered species
Pandas are classified as endangered species due to habitat destruction and the decreasing availability of bamboo. Their natural habitat is shrinking and this has put them in danger. There are only about 1,800 pandas left in the world.
7. They are solitary animals
Pandas are solitary animals and they prefer to spend most of their time alone. They only come together during the breeding season, which occurs in spring.
8. Pandas are born tiny and helpless
Panda cubs are the size of a stick of butter at birth and are completely dependent on their mother for nourishment and protection. They can’t open their eyes until they are six to eight weeks old.
9. Pandas were once considered mythical creatures
Pandas were once regarded as mythical creatures in the Western world. It was only in the late 1800s that pandas were discovered by a French missionary in China.
10. Pandas are very popular
Pandas are popular all over the world. In fact, they are often used as a symbol of peace and friendship. They also draw large crowds to zoos and wildlife parks, and have been known to generate significant revenue for conservation efforts.
In conclusion, pandas are fascinating creatures that continue to captivate us with their unique behavior, diet, and appearance. They may be endangered, but there are tremendous efforts underway to preserve their natural habitat and ensure their survival for future generations.
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