Giant Pandas Are Black and White and Loved All Over The giant panda is a national treasure in China and is therefore protected by law. This unique bear has long been revered by the Chinese and can be found in Chinese art dating back thousands of years. The Chinese call their beloved pandas daxiong mao (dah-sh-WING-MAH-oo) which means "large cat-bear." People outside of China have been fascinated by giant pandas since they were first described by French missionary Armand David in 1869. Now, over 100 years later, the worldwide love for pandas has become combined with international efforts to keep them from becoming extinct.
Bamboo Is Food and Shelter to Pandas Bamboo is the most important plant in a giant panda's life. Pandas live in cold and rainy bamboo forests high in the mountains of western China. They spend up to 16 hours each day eating bamboo. Because bamboo is low in nutrients, pandas eat as much as 84 pounds of shoots each day. Pandas grasp bamboo stalks with their five fingers and a special wrist bone, then use their teeth to peel off the tough outer layers to reveal the soft inner tissue. Strong jaw bones and cheek muscles help pandas crush and chew the thick stalks with their flattened back teeth.