As we know, giant pandas are found only in China, specifically in the regions of Sichuan, Shaanxi, and Gansu. As of 2013, there were only about 1,800 giant pandas left in the wild.
China has no lions in its natural environment. According to historical records, lions were introduced to China as tributes from the Western Regions (possibly India), which is why when we read books or watch historical films from China, lions are often referred to as “Western Region lions.”
Regarding tigers, Siberian tigers, South China tigers, Bengal tigers, and Indochinese tigers have all appeared in China. Siberian tigers inhabit the frigid northern regions, while Bengal tigers are found in Tibet. The habitats of these two species of tigers prevent them from encountering pandas. South China tigers and Indochinese tigers may share overlapping habitats with pandas, but they are rarely seen in the wild. Experts believe that the South China tiger is nearly extinct in the wild, and the Indochinese tiger is also on the brink of extinction. Therefore, if tigers and lions do not have the opportunity to encounter pandas, how could they ever have the chance to prey on them?
Tiger – panda – lion.
However, if we delve deeper and assume that the South China tiger is not extinct in the wild, why do they still not prey on giant pandas?
To answer this question, we first need to understand the panda species.
Most people are perplexed by the appearance of pandas. These round, meaty, and adorable creatures often lead many to believe that pandas are weak, gentle animals easily dominated by predators in the wild.
Most people are perplexed by the appearance of pandas.
In ancient times, pandas were considered a rare and strange species, often referred to in folklore as ‘iron-eating beasts,’ alongside leopards and scorpions. The “Records of the Grand Historian” by Sima Qian also notes that pandas were once used in warfare, indicating that they are not as gentle as they appear, nor are they as vulnerable as many believe.
Pandas are highly valued in China and designated as a national treasure, largely due to the efforts of a foreigner – Father David (Armand David). Before China began to take an interest in and protect pandas, Father David, a Frenchman, was fascinated by these animals and sought to bring them out of China. This sparked a love for pandas among foreigners, leading many countries to send representatives to China in search of them. This is also a major reason for the sharp decline in the giant panda population; at that time, at least 200 living pandas were sent abroad, and the number that died during transport is incalculable.
Pandas are highly valued in China and designated as a national treasure.
It wasn’t until the 1940s that China recognized the seriousness of the issue, prohibiting foreigners from capturing pandas and beginning active conservation efforts.
Pandas are bears, so why are they herbivorous?
The ancestors of pandas are the Ailuropoda microta, and based on fossilized teeth, it is inferred that they were omnivorous.
In fact, modern pandas are also omnivorous. Forest rangers in China have found fur and remnants of animals in giant panda feces, and some have even captured images of giant pandas eating animal carcasses. Interestingly, bamboo rats found in bamboo forests are a favorite snack for them. However, this scenario is relatively rare; most of the time, pandas eat bamboo. Bamboo is abundant and does not overlap with the diets of other animals, making it an easy food source.
In fact, modern pandas are also omnivorous.
Pandas, tigers, and lions: who is stronger?
This is essentially a comparison among the three species: bears, tigers, and lions. However, it is very difficult to compare the strength of lions and bears in natural environments, as their habitats are geographically too distant from each other, and they have no opportunity to confront one another.
Comparing the strength of bears and tigers has been covered in many articles, so we will not discuss that here. To summarize, bears have several advantages: an incredible bite force, sharp and powerful claws, and thick fur. In practical situations, while bears can kill tigers, in most cases, the tiger emerges victorious.
The combat effectiveness of pandas is actually at a moderate level. They are medium-sized mammals, while tigers and lions are much larger and heavier than pandas, with significantly stronger fighting skills. Pandas do not have an advantage over them except for their ability to climb trees.
Tigers and pandas rarely encounter each other in the wild.
In general, tigers and lions do not prey on pandas for three reasons:
Pandas are bears, and they are not weak. While tigers can kill pandas, it requires a lot of energy and time, making hunting hoofed animals more optimal. Therefore, pandas are not a priority for tigers.
The second reason comes from humans. With the development and expansion of human habitats, the living areas of wild animals no longer overlap as they once did, making encounters between them very rare, if not impossible, in the wild, thus they cannot prey on each other.
Finally, tigers have their own preferred food and will not eat other animals unless absolutely necessary.
