The giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca, "black-and-white cat-foot"; Chinese: 大熊貓, Hanyu Pinyin: Dàxióngmāo) is a mammal classified in the bear family, Ursidae, native to central-western and southwestern China. The panda was previously thought to be a member of the Procyonidae. It is easily recognised by its large, distinctive black patches around the eyes, over the ears, and across its round body. Though belonging to the order Carnivora, the panda has a diet which is 99% bamboo. Pandas may eat other foods such as honey, eggs, fish and yams. --------------------------------------- The Giant Panda is an endangered animal. According to the latest report, China has 239 giant pandas in captivity by Nov 2007, 128 of them in Wolong and 67 in Chengdu, with 27 pandas living outside the country. It also estimated that around 1,590 panda are living in the wild.However, a 2006 study via DNA analysis estimated that there might be as many as 2000-3000 pandas in the wild. Though reports show that the numbers of wild pandas are on the rise, the World Conservation Union (IUCN) believes there is not enough certainty to remove pandas from the endangered animal list.------------------- The giant panda is a favourite of the human public, at least partly because many people find that the species has an appealing baby-like cuteness. Also, it is usually depicted reclining peacefully eating bamboo, as opposed to hunting, which adds to its image of innocence. Though giant pandas are often assumed docile because of their cuteness, they have been known to attack humans, presumably out of irritation rather than predatory behaviour. Research shows that in cases in which its offspring may be under threat, the panda can and often will react violently.