Stop Panda Population Decline

Many of us know the giant panda as the adorable black and white bear that has long been the advocacy symbol of the World Wide Fund (WWF) since 1961 or as the bubbly martial arts expert/noodle master in the blockbuster flick from Dream Works—Kung Fu Panda. 

But the issues surrounding this lovable creature are more serious than most people realize. The rarest species in the bear family, the giant panda is one of the most threatened animals in the world. Only about 1,600 species are left, a hundred of which live in captivity. 

How did this happen? What are the causes for panda population decline? 

Humans play a major role in this predicament. The number one cause of decrease in panda population is habitat loss. Pandas can be found in Southwest China, particularly in the eastern part of the Tibetan plateau. Much has changed in the panda’s habitat in the last three decades. 

For one, its living space has shrunk by more than 50 percent. Now, they barely have 5,000 square miles of forest to live in. Their habitats have been destroyed to be converted into agricultural lands and urban areas. 

It’s bad enough that they can only live in specific habitats because their diet, which is bamboo, can only grow at altitudes ranging from 1,640 to 10,170 feet. Both the food supply and habitat are crucial for the survival of pandas. 

Panda population decrease can also be blamed on hunters and poachers. People hunt and kill pandas to get their skin and sell this in the black market. A piece of panda skin can be sold for thousands of dollars. 

If you’re wondering why it is so expensive, it has to do with the old myth that talks about how sleeping on a panda skin will ward off ghosts and bequeath you with fortune telling powers. Those who are not superstitious buy the fur for its warmth and waterproof property. 

There are also natural reasons behind panda population decline. One problem is their slow breeding. Another is that a giant panda can only nurture one to three cubs at a time. Usually, only the strongest cub survives. The weaker ones starve and die eventually. 

Despite these problems, it’s good to know that efforts to conserve the giant panda have strengthened over the years. In fact, this species has become heavily protected in China. The government now imposes severe penalties for poaching and killing pandas such as 10-year imprisonment, life imprisonment, and even death penalty. 

There are also various groups that work to protect the pandas not only in China but also those in captivity in other parts of the world. WWF and Panda Trust are just some of these. These groups help pandas by increasing protected habitats, patrolling against poaching and illegal logging, and increasing awareness about panda conservation. 

Scientists are also working very hard to find solutions to prevent endangerment of panda such as searching for ways to grow bamboo faster, finding alternative source of energy other than bamboo forests, and changing developed areas into protected wildlife preserves. 

Now you don’t have to be a scientist, a government official or an environmental group leader to help conserve pandas. There are many things that ordinary people can do to contribute in this endeavor. One is to never buy products made of panda. Two is to support panda conservation programs. Three is to help spread the word about pandas and their vulnerable condition. Four is to report to authorities any crime against pandas (abuse, poaching, illegal logging, and so on). 

We do not know how long pandas can survive in our planet. But with joint cause and commitment, we can definitely lengthen their stay much more.