SCIENCE NEWS
May 12, 2004
Loss of Bamboo Threatens Rare Animals
Humans are destroying bamboo, a tall, woody plant that many endangered animals need to survive
 Male panda eats bamboo. |
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Humans are cutting down forests and endangering bamboo species, which many rare animals depend on for food and shelter. About one-third of the world’s 1,200 bamboo species are threatened by the loss of their forest habitats, according to a report released this week.
Who's at Risk?
The destruction of bamboo habitats is putting the lives of many animals at risk, the report says. All over the world, rare animals are in danger of losing bamboo as a valuable source of food and protection. In Asia, the giant panda eats only bamboo. In Africa, the mountain gorilla depends on bamboo for most of its diet. In parts of Africa, Asia, and South America, many endangered species of animals and birds rely on bamboo as part of their diet.
Animals are not the only ones that rely on bamboo. People all over the world depend on bamboo for business. They use bamboo for many things including food, housing, furniture, and crafts. The bamboo trading industry is worth more than $2 billion each year!
The rate at which bamboo grows makes the loss of forests even more dangerous. Bamboo species grow flowers and reproduce just once every 20 to 100 years. The bad news: The areas where bamboo can survive and reproduce are becoming more limited.
A Wake Up Call
The report has been called a "wake-up call" to people to look at ways to stop harming the world’s forests. It is also a call to action to protect bamboo species and the animals that depend on the endangered plant for survival.
