Panda's Giant Problem

Who would argue that the giant panda bear, native to China, is one of the world's most endearing creatures. Due primarily to habitat loss caused by human encroaachment, the giant panda is an endangered species. The government of China maintains a substantial program for captive breeding pandas.  There are thought to be something like 2,000 wild pandas remaining and about 250 in zoos and in  captive breeding facilties in China.

One very unusual part of the giant panda's life is its near total reliance on bamboo as a food source.  That dependence on bamboo could well turn out to be the panda's ulitmate undoing.   Studies on the impact of climate change on wild bamboo just published indicate that most bamboo species could be wiped out by higher temperatures and draught caused by a warming planet. 

We humans are doing a pretty good job of messing up the planet for ourselves and for other species like the panda. The best way to assure a future for wild pandas would be for humans to aggressively embrace proper stewardship of the natural world.