The Giant Panda is a member of the Bear Family and instantly recognisable to most of us. She is a sluggish animal, her diet consisting almost exclusively of bamboo - which is low energy and difficult to digest. Therefore, Panda are not noted for being particularly active and they will even avoid venturing up slopes in an effort to conserve energy. They are likewise fairly lacklustre with their breeding, showing little inclination to mate in captivity and artificial insemination was widely used. Cubs are born very small and defenceless. If twins are born in the wild, the mother selects the strongest to raise, allowing the weaker one to die. She does not store enough body fat and nutrients to successfully raise both offspring.
The Panda is classified as Endangered and has become the "poster boy" for the World Wildlife Fund and is treasured in China, her homeland. Unfortunately, despite expensive conservation programs, which have ensured that many captive Panda survive into adulthood, there is not a lot of remaining habitat for them.
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