ThreatstoGiantPanda对大熊猫的威胁.doc

Threats to Giant Panda 对大熊猫的威胁 Key words: Destruction Bamboo flowering cycle Predators Poachers Trapper Farming Tourism Breeding Destruction of the panda’s natural habitat is now a major threat to the survival of the species. In the eleven years from 1973 to 1984, suitable habitat for the animal shrunk by 50 per cent in six isolated, but previously ideal areas. Pandas face the problem of the bamboo flowering cycle. At regular intervals (ranging from 10 to 100 years depending on the species), bamboo plants flowering over large areas and die. Although they regenerate from seed within a year, it can take up to 20 years before the bamboo can support a panda population again. The adult giant panda has very few natural enemies. One of the known enemies of the giant panda is the snow leopard, which may seize a baby giant panda that has wandered away from its mother or a pack of wild dogs may also capture a wandering cub. If a mother giant panda leaves a baby in a tree unattended, a hungry eagle may also snatch it for its dinner. To a lesser degree the Bamboo Rat which burrows underground, eats the roots of the bamboo growth which obviously kills the plant, leaving one less plant for the giant panda to eat. At 2? years of age a panda weighs about 22.7kg (50 lbs.) and generally becomes more and more immune to most natural predators. Without a doubt, the worst enemy to the giant panda is man. The fur trade has long been of considerable valve to the Chinese economy (in the first half of 1934, the sale of furs from China brought in over $US23 million, more than either tea and silk). Adult pandas are killed for their pelts. The panda’s distinctive black and white skin is valued as rugs, sleeping mats, wall hangings, and coat. A series of effective measures have been taken by the Chinese government to save and protect the Giant Panda. The continued black market pricing of giant panda skins fetch $100,000.oo - $250,000.oo US in the black markets. It do not stave off poachers fro