* Diet: They are herbivores with a very specialized diet consisting almost entirely of bamboo. Bamboo is low in nutrients and hard to digest, making it difficult for pandas to get the energy and nutrition they need.
* Reproduction: Pandas have a low reproductive rate. They only give birth to one or two cubs at a time, and the cubs are highly dependent on their mothers for a long period.
* Habitat loss: Panda populations are threatened by habitat loss and fragmentation, which limits their access to bamboo and makes it harder for them to find mates.
* Susceptibility to disease: Their limited diet and low reproductive rate make them susceptible to diseases and environmental changes.
However, in captivity:
* Pandas receive high-quality diets specifically formulated to meet their nutritional needs.
* They receive regular veterinary care and live in controlled environments, which helps to minimize the risk of disease.
* They are also protected from threats such as habitat loss and poaching.
Therefore, while pandas in captivity are generally healthy, their wild counterparts face significant challenges that limit their health and overall well-being.