The Problem of Endangered Pandas Essay Example
The Problem of Endangered Pandas Essay Example

The Problem of Endangered Pandas Essay Example

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  • Pages: 4 (929 words)
  • Published: April 27, 2022
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There have been significant instances of plant and animal species becoming extinct in both the 20th and 21st centuries, which has sparked intense debates on this matter.

Human activities are responsible for the global endangerment of animal species and negative environmental news. The panda, which is naturally found in mountain temperate forests and grasslands, serves as an example of a species at risk. Once distributed across various regions in China, Vietnam, and Myanmar, pandas now inhabit only about 20 isolated patches located in China's Shaanxi, Gansu, and Sichuan provinces. Additionally, pandas can be found in 23 zoos spread across 14 countries worldwide. According to wwf.panda.org (par 4), there are approximately 1,864 individuals in the global population of pandas.

This article examines the factors leading to the endangerment or threat of pandas and proposes solutions to increase their populati

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on. The primary reasons for panda endangerment include human activities and ecological factors. According to Lindburg, Donald G, and Karen Baragona (5), hunting and habitat loss have significantly contributed to their decline. Illegal hunting and poaching continue to pose a danger due to high demand in illegal markets in the Far East. Furthermore, the fragmentation of their natural habitat for infrastructure development such as roads and railroads has isolated panda populations, limiting their access to bamboo and impeding their ability to mate and reproduce.

The panda population is declining due to ecological factors. Pandas heavily depend on bamboo for their main diet, which accounts for 99% of their food. However, pandas struggle with inefficient digestion and must consume up to 84 pounds of bamboo daily in order to survive. Tragically, the demand for forest resources, particularly in China, has led t

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a significant decrease in bamboo forests.

According to Schaller ; George (148), the slow growth of the anima can be attributed to low reproduction. Pandas exhibit a high level of selectivity in choosing their mates, and female pandas are only capable of conceiving once per year. Furthermore, the nurturing process for panda cubs is challenging, with only 50% of them experiencing a sluggish growth rate (Lindburg and Baragona 120). Without implementation of conservation measures, this species may face extinction. The decline in bamboo forests, which serve as the primary food source for pandas, contributes to habitat loss. If these bamboo forests were to vanish, pandas would inevitably confront extinction.

The genetic nature of pandas and whether they have both carnivorous and vegetarian traits is currently being debated by scientists. Their digestive systems are not well-adapted to efficiently process fibrous plant matter, which makes survival difficult for them. Despite significant global conservation efforts in recent years, the panda population has only increased by 16.8% over the last decade. Guangming et.al (51) argue that pandas present a distinctive challenge for conservation due to their restricted species distribution.

Pandas can avoid extinction if various measures are implemented to protect them, specifically relying on human intervention. However, this endeavor is expensive and demanding in terms of resources and dedication in order to ensure the species' stability in their natural habitat.

It is essential for policy makers and researchers to address specific threats such as habitat destruction and illegal poaching in order to understand and overcome barriers to species recovery. By mitigating the depletion of their habitats through reducing human activities, we can make progress. Overcoming challenges related to politics, funding, science, and the

long-term will play a crucial role in shaping management decisions aimed at saving these species. The integration of science and policy has the potential to establish an adaptive management paradigm (wwf.panda.org par 6). The suffering of panda babies can be alleviated by medical professionals. Ultimately, human intervention is the last remaining hope for pandas' survival as a species since humans have pushed them to the brink of extinction.

Humans must address the causes of panda population decline and strive to increase their numbers. This can be achieved by enhancing habitats, promoting plant growth, and ensuring ample space for feeding and mating. Additionally, raising awareness through ecotourism in panda-inhabited areas is beneficial. Ultimately, implementing stronger policies and laws is essential to protect pandas from activities like poaching.

Humans have made significant efforts to protect pandas. These include implementing strict laws and raising public awareness to reduce poaching. Additionally, breeding programs and conservation efforts have been put in place to restore panda populations. The Chinese government has established 50 reserves since 1970, while many zoos worldwide have also been created for the purpose of safeguarding pandas.

The World Wide Fund (WWF) is taking steps to save pandas from extinction. They are creating bamboo corridors that link various forests, enabling pandas to migrate to new areas (Chapman et.al 70). Additionally, scientists and researchers are working on strategies to enhance panda breeding and boost their population. The paper explains that human activities have primarily led to the current endangerment of pandas. Thus, as humans bear significant responsibility for putting these animals at risk, they should assume a leading role in conserving them.

Despite the lack of effective solutions for genetic factors threatening endangered

animals, it is clear that humans are actively taking measures to protect them.

Bibliography

  1. Chapman, Linda, Michelle Mistra, and Rob McPhillips. Panda Playtime. London: Red Fox, 2012. Print.

  2. He, Guangming, et al. "Distribution of economic benefits from ecotourism: A case study of Wolong Nature Reserve for giant pandas in China." Environmental Management 42.6 (2008): 1017-1025.

  3. Lindburg, Donald G, and Karen Baragona. Pandas: Biology and Conservation. Berkley: University of California Press, 2004.

Print.

  • Schaller, George B. The Last Panda: With a New Afterword. Chicago u.a.: Univ. of Chicago Press, 1994. Print.
    wwf.panda.org.
  • "What You Can Do" is a web page from wwf.panda.org, accessed on April 22, 2016.

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