The giant panda, Ailuropoda melanoleuca, is native to the bamboo forests of central China. It is easily recognized by its distinctive black and white fur, large head, and round body. Pandas are solitary animals with a diet primarily consisting of bamboo, consuming up to 40 pounds daily. Despite being classified as carnivores, their diet is overwhelmingly herbivorous. They play a crucial role in their ecosystem by spreading seeds and facilitating vegetation growth.

The Ailuropoda melanoleuca, commonly known as the giant panda, is native to the mountainous regions of central China. Its primary geographical distribution includes the Sichuan, Shaanxi, and Gansu provinces.

Giant pandas inhabit temperate broadleaf and mixed forests, which are characterized by dense understories of bamboo, their primary food source. These forests are typically found at elevations between 1,200 to 3,100 meters (3,900 to 10,200 feet) above sea level. The climate in these regions is generally cool and humid, with significant rainfall that supports the growth of bamboo.

Giant pandas are specialized feeders that primarily consume bamboo, which constitutes over 99% of their diet. They play a crucial ecological role in their habitat by aiding in the dispersion of bamboo seeds, which contributes to the health of their forest ecosystems. Their niche is highly dependent on the availability of bamboo species found in their natural habitat.