The panda bear 

The panda bear has been loved by children and sought after by photographers, zoologists and hunters everywhere. Since its official discovery in the remote, mountainous regions of western China over a century ago, the Giant Panda has intrigued and baffled naturalists like no other animal. Since there are so few captive pandas, the Chinese government has officially banned hunting them and only rarely permits their export. The panda bear remains one of the world's most mysterious creatures, almost as baffling a subject of investigation in captivity as when free.

It has been estimated in 2006 that there are more than 2,000 giant pandas in the wild, showing a recent increase in their population. However, some researchers claim that this apparent increase could be the result of a more detailed survey rather than an actual increase in the bear's number. Giant pandas in captivity have lived up to 35 years. However, their average lifespan in the wild is 15 to 20 years.

Viña, Andrés (2010) Range-wide analysis of wildlife habitat: Implications for conservation. Biological Conservation 143(9)