Pandas are the rarest species of the bear family and are categorised as an endangered species.

The Latin name for the Giant panda is - Ailuropoda melanoleuca.

Giant pandas were once widespread in south and east China as well as Myanmar and Northern Vietnam; however, they can now only be found in China, specifically in the forest regions in the Chinese mountain ranges of Minshan, Qinling, Qionglai, Liangshan, Daxiangling, and Xiaoxiangling.

Estimates suggest that there are approximately 1,600 pandas in the wild.

The average panda lifespan is 20 - 25 years in the wild, which rises to almost 30 years when pandas are being cared for in captivity.

Pandas do not hibernate. This is in contrast to other types of bears, which do hibernate.

Pandas live on the ground but they are also able to climb trees.

Pandas are coloured in a distinctive black and white coloured fur.

The breeding of pandas in captivity has produced disappointing results, however, in the wild pandas are known to have similar breeding capabilities as those of the American black bear which thrives currently.

Pandas reach breeding age at five years old and usually give birth to a single cub (unusually they will give birth to twins). The cubs will only weigh about 120 grams when born. This is in contrast to the adult panda weight of 100kg.

Pandas have the digestive system of a carnivorous animal but they have adapted to a solely vegetarian diet consisting mainly of bamboo.

Pandas eat bamboo for over two-thirds of the day.

In China there are 50 panda reserves - 5 of which were created by a joint venture between the Shaanxi provincial government and the WWF.

The destruction of the panda’s natural habitat as well as poaching is a major threat to the existence of the panda.