of the panda's natural habitat is the major threat to
the survival of the species. In the eleven years from
1973 to 1984, suitable habitat for the animal shrunk by
50 per cent in six isolated areas. It takes about 10 to
100 years depending on the species, before bamboo plants
flower over large areas and die. It can take up to 20
years before bamboo can support a panda population again.
Panda migration is very difficult, leaving pandas restricted
to islands or forest. Some pandas are still hunted for
their skins. A single pelt can fetch up to US $200,000.
In Japan, Poachers risk the consequences - the death penalty.
More frequently, however, pandas are caught in snares
set for other animals.