PANDA

Body Length: 120 to 150 centimeters.

Body Weight: Between 85 and 110 kilos.

Physical Features: Include broad, flat molars modified for crushing, and an enlarged wrist bone functioning as an opposable thumb - both adaptations for eating bamboo stems.

Diet: Pandas depend almost exclusively on bamboo as a food source. Since their digestive system is that of a carnivore and cannot easily break down the cellulose in bamboo, pandas must eat huge amounts - as much as 38 kilos, and for up to 14 hours - each day. This means the panda's survival is inextricably linked to constant access to good feeding areas.

Life Span: 10 - 15 years in the wild and up to 30 in captivity.

Main Threats to Survival: Habitat loss and hunting.

For more information about pandas, visit: www.worldwildlife.org/pandas