Archive Content

Please note: This page has been archived and its content may no longer be up-to-date. This version of the page will remain live for reference purposes as we work to update the content across our website.

© Fritz Polking / WWF
What do pandas eat ?
The simple answers is: bamboo
A panda's daily diet consists almost entirely of the leaves, stems and shoots of various bamboo species.
Bamboo contains very little nutritional value so pandas must eat 12-38kg every day to meet their energy needs.

But they do branch out, with about 1% of their diet comprising other plants and even meat. While they are almost entirely vegetarian, pandas will sometimes hunt for pikas and other small rodents.

Indeed, as members of the bear family, giant pandas possess the digestive system of a carnivore, although they have evolved to depend almost entirely on bamboo.

This reliance on bamboo leaves them vulnerable to any loss of their habitat – currently the major threat to their survival.

© naturepl.com / Eric Baccega / WWF

Subscribe to WWF


Facebook Twitter Google Plus YouTube Flickr Vimeo

Please Donate

Our work is only possible with your support.

Donate now