A STUDY IN BLACK AND WHITE
In
Chinese philosophy, the yin and yang are associated with peace, and represent
the belief that everything in the universe consists of two forces. The forces
are opposing, but complementary. I perceive that as balance, and everything in
nature, in it’s natural state, has balance and beauty. The Giant Panda is the
epitome of balance in terms of his markings and the way they survive within
their habitat.
The
Panda lives in central and western China. As of the end of 2014, it was believed
that there are less than 2,000 Pandas left in the wild. They are endangered,
and their greatest threat is habitat destruction.
The
Giant Panda evolved between 2 and 3 million years ago. It is part of the oldest
family of bears, and its primitive ancestors date back eight million
years. The oldest fossils were found in
China.
Pandas
will give birth to one or two babies once every two years. The cubs are
extremely small, weighing about the same as a mouse, about three and a half
ounces. At birth, the dark spots around the eyes are circular, developing a
teardrop shape as they grow. Adult male
Pandas range in weight from 187 pounds to 275 pounds. The average female weighs between 154 to 220
pounds.
Although
the Panda is categorized as a carnivore, its diet mainly consists of bamboo.
Bamboo is found in thick patches in the coniferous forests in which the Panda
lives. There are populations of Pandas in the mountains of central and western
China, and they will move, with seasonal changes, up and down elevations to
feed on different types of bamboo. They especially like new shoots of bamboo,
as they are tender and nutritious. The average Panda will consume approximately
sixty-six pounds of bamboo a day. Its
dependence on bamboo makes it extremely vulnerable to habitat loss.
A
solitary animal, Pandas maintain their territory by marking it with scent
glands and scratches that they leave on trees. Male Pandas have a larger range
than females. Typically, the male’s territory will overlap that of several
females, in order to maintain breeding rights with them.
Although
the Chinese government has created thirty-three reserves for Pandas, they are
still considered endangered. More has to be done to ensure that bamboo forests
are protected from further destruction.
Enjoy
the following video. It’s very interesting, a lot of fun, and informative.
If you’d
like to learn more about the Giant Panda, click on any of the following
links. Thanks so much for stopping by.
Please leave a comment, or share the post.
Enjoy!
Jeanne
E. Rogers, Award Winning Author
The Sword of Demelza and The
Gift of Sunderland
Middle
Grade Fantasy Where Endangered Animal Heroes Roam the Pages!
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