What makes pandas so special?

Answer 1

They are rare for one. They are also only found in one small area on the entire planet. And unlike what many people believe they aren't even bears!

Answer 2

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Answer 3

When I took a class on ecology they said pandas were part of an endangered species category called "Charismatic Mega Fauna." The explanation is that they are so cute and look so good that people care whether they are extinct. On the other hand were things like Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches that are just as endangered but so low down on the cuteness scale that most people would be glad to step on them. Elephants, chimps, apes and dolphins are categorized that way also - too attractive to just let die.

Answer 4

They are endangered. An estimated 1,600 pandas live in the wild and some 188 were reported to live in captivity at the end of 2005. However, several instances of successful captive-breeding in 2005 have pushed the population closer to 300.

Answer 5

They are one of the few endangered animals that is lucky enough to be cute, so the public actually cares about them... Same with tigers, etc...
*in response to another answer*
And uh... yes... they ARE bears, they're from the family Ursidae. I don't know if you meant the red panda or the "koala bear??" Those aren't bears, but the giant panda most certainly is.

Answer 6

We need pandas because they eat bamboo. I wouldn't want the world to get overgrown with that! What?? We only seem to protect animals that are deemed attractive, have human characteristics or have a seemingly higher intelligence.

Ever notice the disclaimer on canned tunafish that it is "Dolphin Safe"? They could care less about the tons of tuna caught, just don't let one dolphin drown in the net. Dolphins look like they are smiling, have complex brains and tuna are just big, stinky fish. Something fishy is going on here.

Answer 7

well besides the fact that they are cute, cuddly, and endangered they are also very mysterious. they live in very remote places in China and it is difficult to watch their habits. they also are very difficult to breed in captivity which is why it is so exciting when one does. they hope to learn enough about them in captivity to start massive breeding programs in china to help bring them back to normal numbers. also they are endangered from habitat loss and require lots of room to roam. pandas are very solitary creatures as are a lot of bears and only mate for short periods...as soon as people can learn to not move in on their territory they will not be so special. and also they are the symbol of the world wildlife fund...very important organization and have been since the start of the fund.

Answer 8

Aside from being endangered they also have a unique adaptation for stripping bamboo shoots. In addition to their 5 normal digits they also have an opposable "thumb". This isn't a true thumb but a free floating sesamoid bone which serves an analogous purpose to the true thumb of primates.

Answer 9

They are special because they are endangered and even though the whole species is at risk they STILL are too prudish to have lots and lots of sex, the spectacle of the prudishness draws humans to them and makes us stare in awe as the chew on bamboo shoots. ALSO! Bears are the #1 Threatdown and they CAN AND WILL tear your face off. Clear off! Like when you peel something that has skin, like your face. Hope that helps! :)

Answer 10

They don't just come in black and white, there are red pandas as well.