The panda is found in the bamboo and coniferous forests of central and northern China. Today, there are no more than 1000 of these wonders left in the wild, and only around 60 in captivity. There are a variety of causes for their declining population, most of them due to man's failure to realize the panda's importance. Humans are invading the areas where the pandas roam, leaving them searching for new habitat. Forest clearance and logging also deplete the panda's habitat.
Periodic bamboo die off, deer traps, and poaching are other contributors.
In order to preserve the panda, many measures have been taken. Preserves have been set up throughout areas of China, a variety of laws prohibit their being harmed, conventions focus attention on the plummeting population, and groups are being set up to aid the panda's welfare.