Paper pandas show species fragility

Environment group WWF France has placed 1,600 paper maché pandas outside the Hôtel de Ville in Paris to highlight the animals’ dwindling population.

The organisation, which celebrates its 35th anniversary this year, also drew attention to other species which are facing extinction.

WWF France director Serge Orru said the bear was not only a symbol of the group but of the greater loss of species across the planet.

“Of course the panda is the most touching, most warm symbol, but the earthworm is just as important,” he said.

According to the latest list published by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, one in four mammals, one in eight birds, a third of amphibiens and 70% are endanger of extinction.

In the coming weeks the pandas will be moving around the monuments of Paris before heading off to other cities in France.

Photo: Laurent Baheux/WWF France