【明報專訊】◆How big is a giant panda?
New born giant pandas weigh only about 100g, equivalent to only two to three eggs! When they grow up, they can be 1000 times heavier and as big as 1.8m. Though giant pandas look clumsy, spending most of their time eating and sleeping, their body is quite flexible. They can climb trees and even do somersaults (翻筋斗)! (picture 1)
◆Do giant pandas only eat bamboos?
An adult giant panda eats 12kg to 16kg bamboos per day, equivalent to 20 bowls of rice or 20 hamburgers for humans! Other than bamboos, the giant pandas in Ocean Park also love fruit and vegetables such as sweet potatoes, pumpkins, apples and pears. Every year on their birthdays, they enjoy a special birthday cake prepared by animal keepers using ice, fruit, carrots and bamboo leaves.
In the wild, giant pandas may hunt for bamboo rats(竹鼠), birds, or dead animals. These foods contain a lot of protein, which is especially important for pregnant giant pandas.
◆Which is the world's
oldest male giant panda?
While human can survive over 70 years, wild giant pandas live for about 20 years only. Those in Ocean Park live longer as they are cared by animal keepers and veterinarians . An An(安安), turning 31 in 2017, is now as old as a man in his 90s. He has officially become the world's oldest male giant panda under human care.
At an old age, An An finds it difficult to chew tough bamboo. Animal keepers tailor-make "veggie balls" for him using tender plant parts. They also conduct regular body checkups and treatments to keep his health under control.
◆Why is the number of wild giant pandas
The giant panda is an animal of concern. It is listed in Category 1 in the Chinese Wildlife Conservation Law (國家一級重點保護野生動物), and classified as "Vulnerable (易危) " in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List (國際自然保護聯盟瀕危物種紅色名錄). Only 1800 giant pandas remain in the wild. They are losing their habitats because of human activities such as over-exploitation (過度開採) of forest resources, urban development and pollution. Their homes are split as bamboo forests are getting smaller and further apart. It becomes more difficult for them to find food and mates. Since their reproductive rate (繁殖率) is also low, the conservation of giant pandas is very challenging.
◆How can you help
the wild giant pandas?
To save giant pandas, we should protect their habitats by using forest resources wisely.
ˇ Choose reusable products instead of disposable products.
ˇ Select products with Forest Stewardship Council (FSCTM) (森林管理委員會) certification.
ˇ Use upcycle (升級再造) paper or wood products and have fun creating your DIY crafts.
(text and photos: Ocean Park Hong Kong)
■Glossary
equivalent (adj) 相等的
flexible (adj) 柔韌的
veterinarian(n) 獸醫
tender (adj) 嫩的；柔軟的
[Smarties' Power English 第198期]
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