Why Do Giant Pandas Have Black Eye Patches?

Why Do Giant Pandas Have Black Eye Patches

Giant pandas have distinctive black patches around their eyes that resemble dark circles. These patches are a result of millions of years of evolution, aiding their survival in the wild. The black eye patches of giant pandas serve three main purposes: protection, intimidation, and recognition.

Protection: Firstly, the protective function of these patches is significant. Giant pandas have small eyes with almost no white parts. The black color around their eyes absorbs a large amount of ultraviolet light, making their dark eyes extremely sensitive to light. The black patches increase the area of fur around their eyes that absorbs UV light, thereby reducing the light sensitivity and providing a function similar to sunglasses for humans.

Intimidation: Secondly, the black eye patches help to intimidate predators. Although today there are few animals in panda habitats that pose a lethal threat to adult pandas, historically, pandas had to contend with predators like saber-toothed tigers and South China tigers. Predators often stare into each other’s eyes to intimidate their opponents. The almost entirely black eyes of pandas could make them appear as if they have enormous eyes, potentially scaring off their adversaries.

Recognition: Additionally, each panda’s black eye patches have unique contours, much like human fingerprints. Scientists believe that pandas can recognize each other through these distinct patterns.

The development of these black eye patches is gradual, similar to how human teeth grow. Newborn panda cubs are entirely pink and lack black patches. Around the fourth day, a faint outline starts to appear around their eyes. Over the next eleven days, these patches darken and expand. By the fifteenth day, the black patches are well-formed, and by the fifty-seventh day, they closely resemble those of adult pandas.

Related Knowledge:

Why Don’t Polar Bears Have Black Eye Patches?

Polar bears do not have the prominent black eye patches of pandas but instead have a natural “protective shield.” Their skin is black, which absorbs sunlight, and their fur is hollow and made of keratin, providing insulation. The white appearance of their fur is due to the reflection of sunlight off the hollow hairs.

Why Do Some Pandas Lack Black Eye Patches?

One theory suggests that the absence of black eye patches in some pandas could be due to a genetic mutation causing albinism, resulting in lighter fur color.

Other Animals with Black Eye Patches:

The black-footed ferret, a small carnivorous animal weighing around 1 kilogram, also has black patches around its eyes. Native to North America and feeding on rodents, the black-footed ferret is an endangered species due to human activities and habitat destruction.