The name “Giant Panda (大熊猫, Giant Bear Cat)” originates from a specimen studied by French scholar Armand David in 1869. This specimen, discovered in the Muping region of Sichuan, was referred to by locals as the “black-and-white bear.” Upon examining the specimen, David noted that it differed from the black bears native to the same area. Notably, it had a greater amount of white fur compared to the Asian black bear, which has a distinctive V-shaped white patch on its chest. Additionally, the panda’s face was rounder, and its mouth was relatively shorter. Despite these differences, David concluded that this animal belonged to the bear family.
To classify the animal, he assigned it the Latin name Ursus melanoleucus, which translates to “black-and-white bear.” David reported his findings, along with the specimen, to a more authoritative expert, Alphonse Milne-Edwards, the director of the Natural History Museum in Paris. After conducting further research, Milne-Edwards observed features such as the animal’s teeth and the presence of a “false thumb,” which suggested a closer relationship to a species named “Lesser Panda” back in 1825.
Milne-Edwards decided to modify the existing Latin genus name of the Lesser Panda, Ailurus, to create a new classification. He changed it to Ailuropoda, thereby replacing the original genus name while retaining the species name from David’s classification. As a result, the scientific name became Ailuropoda melanoleuca, meaning “black-and-white panda.” This name has been used ever since.
Today, the Giant Panda is recognized not just for its unique appearance, but also for its cultural significance and conservation status. It has become a global symbol for wildlife preservation, embodying efforts to protect endangered species and their habitats. The journey of naming the Giant Panda reflects both scientific exploration and the deepening understanding of this remarkable animal, which continues to captivate the hearts of people around the world.