As of 2019, the IUCN estimates the total wild panda population to be between 1,596 and 2,069 individuals. The majority of these pandas live in the temperate forests of the Qinling and Minshan mountain ranges in central China. Smaller populations are also found in the provinces of Gansu and Sichuan.
The giant panda's habitat is under threat from deforestation and other forms of development. Logging, mining, and the expansion of agriculture have all contributed to the loss of panda habitat. In addition, climate change is expected to further reduce the panda's habitat by changing the distribution of bamboo forests, which are a key food source for pandas.
Poaching is another major threat to pandas. Pandas are hunted for their fur, meat, and other body parts. The demand for panda products has declined in recent years, but poaching still remains a major problem.
Despite these threats, there have been some positive developments in panda conservation. The Chinese government has established several nature reserves and protected areas for pandas. In addition, there have been efforts to improve panda breeding and reforestation programs. As a result of these efforts, the panda population has increased in recent years.
However, the giant panda remains a vulnerable species. The threats that it faces are serious and ongoing. Unless these threats are addressed, the panda could face extinction in the wild in the future.