The giant panda (Ailuropoda Melanoleuca) lives in the bamboo forests of southwestern China. This type of panda is in danger of extinction and today "there are only a thousand pandas left" (http//:panda.org, 1). ). The weight of an adult male giant panda is normally between 80 and 125 kilograms (176 and 276 lb), with males typically weighing 10% to 20% more than females, about the same size as the American black bear . However, unlike the black bear, giant pandas do not hibernate and cannot walk on their hind legs” (Etling 1). “Giant pandas have a massive head, a heavy body, a short tail (about 5 inches), rounded ears, and plantiggrade feet” (Etling 1). Giant pandas have a tendency to “develop large molars specially designed for crushing fibrous plant material” (Etling 1). Giant pandas' fur “is thick and rough; it consists of a rough outer layer and a very dense undercoat, similar to wool” (Etling 1). Panda fur is oily and “protects pandas from the cool, humid climate in which [they] live” (Etling 1). The color of their fur is mainly white with black spots on the legs, ears, back and eyes. This image shows the black pattern on panda fur. The lifespan of an average panda is 15 years. Some pandas live into their twenties, and those kept in captivity can live into their thirties. “Dudu, the oldest known captive giant panda, recently died in China at the age of thirty-seven” (Etling 4). Pandas' bodies are large and it is difficult for them to run away from enemies or even just walk around. “Giant pandas generally move in a slow and determined manner. When frightened, they move at a slow trot to escape danger. Giant pandas, with their sharp claws, are able to climb trees very easily” (Etling 1) . They climb trees to get away from anything they feel threatens them. "Although giant pandas rarely fight, they let others know their disapproval by grunting and body language" (Etling 4). .. half of the paper ......d panda habitat protection. The funds will specifically go to 3 Chinese nature reserves in Sichuan province: Wujiao, Baodinggou and Yele. Additionally, behaviorists, endocrinologists, reproductive physiologists, geneticists and others at the Zoological Society's Center for Reproduction of Endangered Species will begin extensive studies of panda behavior and reproductive biology (www.sandiegozoo.com) Pandas that are on the endangered species list. They are the second most endangered animal species. While pandas are not expected to fall off the endangered species list for a while, scientists predict they will move out of endangered status. While it may seem like a distant goal, with the help of legislation it is hoped that pandas will never come closer to extinction. Bibliography1. Etling, geocities.com/Athens/Aroplis/94922. Jonkel, Carlo. Encarta Encyclopedia “Giant Panda”. 1998. Page 13. Wenshi, Pan. china2thou.com/98124. hdmi.com/wol/Giantpanda5. nature-net.com/bears/panda6. pandas/org/resources/factsheets/species/fct_panda7. sandiego.org/special/pandas/panda