The giant
panda is universally loved, but this peaceful, bamboo-eating
member of the bear family faces many threats. Its population
is small and isolated as its traditional forest habitat
in southwest China's mountainous areas becomes fragmented.
The government has set up more than 30 reserves, but habitat
destruction and poaching continues to pose a threat to
pandas living outside them. With rapid economic development,
it is more important than ever to ensure the giant panda's
survival.
