Young giant panda cubs are vulnerable to predation by a variety of predators, including snow leopards, yellow-throated martens, and birds of prey such as eagles and vultures. However, the most significant threat to giant panda cubs is from other animals within their own habitat, particularly from adult male pandas. Male pandas have been known to kill cubs that are not their own in order to bring the female into estrus and increase their own chances of mating. Thus, female pandas are very protective of their cubs and will fiercely defend them against any potential threats.