The giant panda is a rare bear native to central China. It has distinctive black and white fur and feeds almost exclusively on bamboo. Global populations declined sharply from the 1960s-1990s due to habitat loss and poaching, and the species was listed as endangered. Conservation efforts helped the population stabilize around 1,500 pandas by 2009, though it remains threatened due to its specialized diet and reproduction. The document discusses the panda's adaptations, population trends over time, habitat needs, and reasons for endangerment.

1. Ailuropoda melanoleuca

2. What is it?Scientific name:Ailuropoda melanoleucaCommon name :Giant PandaClassification: Kingdom:Animalia

3. Phylum:Chordata

4. Class:Mammalia

5. Order: Carnivora

6. Family:Ursidae

7. Genus:Ailuropoda

8. Species:AiluropodamelanoleucaRelation: Bears and Raccoons

9. AdaptationsLong ToenailsSixth ToeThe Pandas Large HeadThe Pandas Fur

10. Global Populations1960s-1990- Rare1990-1994 – Endangered1994-2004 – Endangered2004-2009 - Endangered1960s-1990- 800-1,200 Pandas1990-1994- 1,000-1,200 Pandas1994-2004- 1,600 Pandas2004-2009 – Less than 1,500 Pandas