wulingshanensis Ailuropoda is the only extant genus in the ursid (bear) subfamily Ailuropodinae.

Despite its taxonomic classification as a carnivoran, the giant panda has a diet that is primarily herbivorous, which consists almost exclusively of bamboo.

Giant pandas have descended from Ailurarctos, which lived during the late Miocene.

Unlike most bears, giant pandas do not have round pupils, but instead have vertical slits, similar to those of cats.

It is no longer considered a bear, however, and is now classified as the sole living representative of a different carnivore family (Ailuridae).