What factors contribute to the Endangerment of pandas?
Alex Guajardo, Maria Salgado, Cristel Torres
1University of Texas San Antonio
With only one or two pandas born a year around the globe, Dwilson’s article emphasizes how human society can help improve conditions for the pandas to thrive. Wilkinson (2015) specifies why panda bears’ diet is affecting their population and how pandas have not yet fully developed a digestive system well suited to digest bamboo. This suggests correlation exists between the near-extinction of pandas and their digestive system, and very low reproduction rate.
CONCLUSIONS:
The prominent contributing factors to the pandas’ near-extinction are low birth rates and the panda digestive system. Due to their inefficient calorie intake, pandas are unable to sustain themselves and multiple offspring; lowering their reproduction rate. A solution to convert their diet, become carnivorous, could improve the panda population. Furthermore, providing a panda reservation that assists pandas’ in the development of learned behavior. Implementing these measures insures the survival and growth of pandas around Asia.
DISCUSSION:
The most notable finding is that the pandas’ physiology is not suitable for bamboo consumption; they are carnivores by design. This meal plan will not sustain the panda population.
The research reveals the digestive system has not only become an issue for the giant panda’s nutrient intake but also has a great impact on the low birth rates due to the lack of calories needed in sustaining more than one panda cub. Individuals are in a tight rope situation, and unable to fully find a solution. As the Chinese population increases, and their urban
development expands, the Chinese population needs to protect the giant panda bear from near extinction.
The FDA, Food and Drug Administration, introduced an interesting solution. It is practiced on salmon, where the salmon are acclimated to corn becoming their primary food source. In hopes this same method effects the panda bears. The panda will become more carnivorous, thus improving their health. As human understanding of pandas increases, so would the preservation of pandas.
REFERENCES:
Wilkinson, A. (2015, may 19). Panda guts not suited to digesting bamboo. Retrieved from nature international weekly journal of science: http://www.nature.com/news/panda-guts-not-suited-to-digesting-bamboo-1.17582
Pavilion, M. G. (2015, June 5). Giant pandas, species in way of extinction. Retrieved from http://www.macaupanda.org.mo/e/extinction/detail.aspx
Dwilson, S. D. ( 2015 ). Why pandas may always be endangered: 5 fast facts you need to know. 1:10 am EDT, August 27, 2015 .
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:
We want to give a big thanks to Melina, Erica, Louis for helping us to accomplish this research project.