National Panda Day, celebrated annually on March 16, is dedicated to creating awareness and educating people about the plight that the wild species are currently facing. Representing peace and embodying yin-yang through their black and white fur, the giant pandas are the national treasures of China. The giant panda is largely found in the forests of the Minshan Mountains. This Panda Day, here are 11 facts about the animal: Masters of disguise The giant panda's iconic black and white coat isn't just about aesthetics, it serves as camouflage as well. Their white bodies blend seamlessly with snowy environments, while their black limbs provide concealment in the shadows of the dense bamboo forests. This dual colouration allows them to remain hidden from potential predators. A panda year is equal to three human years While directly comparing animal and human lifespans using a single conversion rate isn't entirely accurate, researchers estimate a rough equivalence of three panda years to approximately four human years. This is based on growth patterns and development stages. Giant pandas typically live 18-20 years in the wild, while those in zoos can reach 25-30 years. The exceptional case was Xinxing('New Star'), the oldest panda on record, who lived to be 38 years and 4 months (1982-2020). Unique irises Unlike most bears, giant pandas have vertical slit pupils, similar to those found in domestic cats. This adaptation is thought to enhance their vision in low-light conditions. Athletic enough! Giant pandas are not just adorable; they're also surprisingly athletic. They are adept swimmers and skilled tree climbers. As early as 5 months old, cubs exhibit an instinct for climbing, often practising on their mothers. Not quite the perfect vegetarian While bamboo makes up 99% of a panda's diet, they are not strictly vegetarians. Their wild diet might include a smidge of grasses, the very occasional small rodent, eggs, or carrion. They've even been spotted raiding farmlands for pumpkins, kidney beans, or even a bite of domestic pig food. Extra reach Giant pandas possess a unique adaptation that aids their special diet: an extended wrist bone. This "pseudo-thumb," formed by a modified sesamoid bone, functions similarly to a sixth digit. This feature offers them exceptional grasping power, allowing them to manipulate and tear bamboo shoots in as little as 40 seconds. An extremely short fertility window Giant pandas have the unique challenges of their fertility window being rather brief, clocking in at just two to three days. This means if they miss that window, it's a year-long wait before trying again. Communicating via scents Giant pandas, despite their solitary nature, do have communication methods. They primarily communicate through scent marking. By depositing chemical messages using their urine and specialised glands to mark their territory, pandas advertise their presence and even convey information about their reproductive status. However, pandas might emit occasional bleats to locate each other, growl during aggressive encounters, and even chortles to express contentment. Tiny titans Giant pandas hold the title of smallest newborn mammals relative to their mothers' size, except for marsupials like kangaroos. Believe it or not, a newborn panda weighs a mere three to five ounces, a fraction (1/900th) of its mother's weight! Nature's messengers (with a twist) Giant pandas can climb trees backwards using their powerful hind legs. Once they reach a suitable height, they perform an impressive feat – standing completely vertically with their front paws gripping the bark. This acrobatic stance allows them to deposit scent markings with their glands, effectively communicating their presence to other pandas. Stares that can kill Giant pandas, despite their cuddly appearance, have a unique way of expressing disapproval — the panda death stare. Unlike their grizzly or polar bear cousins known for fierce roars, pandas rely on the power of the piercing gaze. Researchers believe this stare might be a bluffing tactic. Those bold black ears, positioned against the white fur, could potentially create the illusion of extra eyes, making the panda appear larger and more intimidating. (Swarnali Dutta is an intern with indianexpress.com)
