subject: Global Warming Threats To Giant Pandas [print this page] Regardless climate change is only a perspective right now, many scientists have already assessed scales and possible consequences for wildlife and animal habitat. To date, people are aware of polar bears being on the verge of extinction, but these animals are not the only ones getting into a real trouble. This article is focused on giant panda bears and their prospect living within global warming process. Specifically, habitat of vital symbols of China might be gradually damaged due to reduction of bamboo trees area.
Numerous Chinese scientists are bothered with changes in pandas diet, as many bears were noticed consuming food other than bamboo leaves. For instance, in 2012 zoologists registered the attack of giant panda on pigsty, where it has taken meat bones. Such a severe diet shift cannot but require some scientific explanation. It is a fact of common knowledge that giant pandas are the only species of bears that are vegetarians. Therefore, this extra diet speaks of possible gradual adjustments in future.
The decline of bamboo forests does not mean shortcut of woods precisely. The key thing is that despite an incredibly high rate of shoot growth, bamboo multiplies very slowly. Typically, flowers and fruits appear on bamboo shoots only once in 30-35 years, which very strongly limits its ability to adapt to climate change. In contrast, pandas eat nearly 30 kg of bamboo per day, which makes aggravates the situation even today.
The specific attention was paid to Qin Mountains of the Tibetan Plateau, which is the native land for about half of global giant pandas population. According to scientific estimates, this area will experience significant reduction of bamboo areas by the end of this century, which may result in 80-100 per cent decline of animals number. Because of global warming effects, some areas of Qin Mountains will be suitable for cultivation of bamboo, but it can be obstructed by slow and inefficient breeding cycle.
It is also important to remind of giant panda bears endangered status, mainly due to habitat loss, low birth rate and human activity, in particular. Deforestation and hunting giant pandas also contribute to decline of their population and forcing their migrations. Indeed, humans invest a lot in giant pandas extermination nowadays, but it is impossible to predict fully how big will be their population as global warming embraces the planet. Chinese authorities are expected to run certain protection and conservation measures.
by: Maria K.
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