However, according to the anatomy of their digestive tract, it is evident that giant pandas are able to digest meat. We all know that Tigers can eat meat and Cows cannot; it is because of their different body and digestive structures. Ailuropoda melanoleuca or giant pandas belong to the bear family, which means they are able to digest meat like the other species of the same bear family.
Now, you might be thinking of why giant pandas only eat bamboo instead of meat. Well, a recent study explains that giant pandas became herbivores about 2. However, with evolution, the anatomy of their digestive tract is still the same — which means that they are still able to digest meat.
Theoretically, giant pandas can eat meat but not grass. Another important fact about the giant pandas is that they get most of the water from bamboo and grasses.
However, giant pandas need more water than they get from bamboo, so they meet their water needs by drinking fresh water from rivers and streams that fill up by the melting of snow on the top of mountains. After that period, these cute cubs of pandas start eating bamboo and other foods. After the first birthday, baby pandas weigh more than 75 pounds. Although, the mother still nurses the baby pandas for another 6 months for comfort. After one-and-a-half or two years, the baby panda is ready to get separated from its mother.
However, the baby panda still grows and gains weight. The maximum weight it gains is up to pounds. Although giant pandas and bears relate to the same family, giant pandas are herbivores, and bears are omnivores. Due to the same family of these two animals, there is also a similarity in their digestive system. Giant pandas totally rely on bamboo, and sometimes they eat fruits and vegetables as a secondary source of food.
On the other hand, bears are omnivores, and they eat meat, unlike giant pandas. Moreover, giant pandas also eat according to each season. This version of the page will remain live for reference purposes as we work to update the content across our website. Our work is only possible with your support. Donate now. Archive Content Please note: This page has been archived and its content may no longer be up-to-date.
It is available all year around. Bamboo is rich in starch and can provide pandas with enough energy… if they eat a lot. Yes , pandas can eat meat though now they are recognized as vegetarian.
Pandas occasionally eat meat usually carcasses, and sometimes bamboo rats. Without any other choice, they became more and more vegetarian. Fossilized panda skulls and paws and radio carbon dating show giant pandas had completely evolved to being bamboo eaters from 2 million years ago. Pandas drink water once or twice a day. Because bamboo shoots are more than 60 percent water, pandas can get water while eating bamboo shoots.
In spring, when bamboo shoots are plentiful, they can go without drinking water for a day or two. In our Panda Volunteer Program , you can make cakes in different shapes for the pandas and feed a panda with your own hands. Contact us if you have any questions or requirements: we are confident that we can design a panda experience to suit you.
China Highlights uses cookies to give you the best possible service. If you continue browsing, you agree to the use of cookies. More details can be found in our privacy policy. Home Travel Guide Giant Pandas. Top 7 Things to Do in Chengdu. The shape of the teeth helps the animals crush the bamboo shoots, leaves, and stems that they eat.
They can chomp on bamboo up to one-and-a-half inches thick. To get the bamboo to their mouths, they hold the stems with their front paws, which have enlarged wrist bones that act as thumbs for gripping.
A panda should have at least two bamboo species where it lives, or it will starve. A scarcity in bamboo threatens the already limited panda population. An adult female panda weighs pounds. Pandas can climb as high as 13, feet and are also very good swimmers. Sometimes male pandas relax by doing handstands against trees. Pandas are shy; they don't venture into areas where people live.
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