Pandas, specifically the giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca), have been existing on Earth for a significant period of time. Fossil evidence suggests that pandas have been present for at least several million years. The earliest known ancestor of the giant panda dates back approximately 2 million years. However, the current species of pandas, Ailuropoda melanoleuca, evolved more recently. It is estimated that the modern giant pandas diverged from their closest relatives around 600,000 years ago.
Despite their long history, pandas have faced various challenges, including habitat loss and fragmentation, which have led to their endangered status today. Conservation efforts have been instrumental in protecting and preserving the remaining panda population, ensuring their continued existence on Earth.