Pandas are solitary animals, shunning the company of other pandas except during the mating season.
Studies over the past few decades have dramatically increased our knowledge of the natural history and habits of giant pandas. We are beginning to understand what is required to keep the species alive. Studies by China's Ministry of Forestry have shown that the forests where pandas live are still rapidly disappearing. Since 1973, nearly half of the remaining panda habitat has been cut or heavily disturbed. Expansion of this habitat is a first priority for species survival.