Explain the black and white fur of the panda

Raccoon fur is black and white to help them camouflage in their habitat and communicate with each other.

The research team at California Davis University and California State University, Long Beach, USA, explored the function of black and white fur patches on panda bodies, according to Tree Hugger. They found that they played two main roles of camouflage and communication . The results of the study are published in Behavioral Ecology on February 28.

"Understanding the reason for such a special color of a panda is very difficult, because almost all other mammals do not have this characteristic," said Tim Caro, the lead author of the study. know.

Picture 1 of Explain the black and white fur of the panda
Panda body is black and white.(Photo: Wikipedia).

Scientists compared black and white fur patches of pandas with 195 other carnivore species and 39 bear subspecies. They also relate the color of the coat to the ecological changes in the environment and animal behavior to determine their function.

The results showed that the white fur on the face, neck, abdomen and butt of the panda helped them hide their bodies in snowy environments. The black fur helps them hide in the shade.

Raccoons cannot digest many plants. Their main food is bamboo and bamboo. Bamboo is a relatively poor food so it cannot help pandas accumulate enough fat to hibernate like other bear relatives. Instead, pandas must operate year-round, travel very far through many habitats, from snowy mountains to tropical forests.

In addition, raccoon fur color is also used in communication. The panda's black ears create a sense of aggression, to intimidate predators. Black patches around the eyes can help them recognize each other or be a aggression signal for competing rivals.