Everyone is familiar with this beautiful black and white bear-like animal. But BBC wildlife presenter Chris Packham has controversially stated that we should let the pandas die out. In an interview with Radio Times he said that the species was not strong enough to survive on its own and it would be better to let nature take its course and put the money toward saving other animals. "Here is a species that, of its own accord, has gone down an evolutionary cul-de-sac. It's not a strong species," he said.

However, wildlife charities have dismissed his claims as "irresponsible": "Pandas face extinction because of poaching and humans moving into their habitat. If left alone, then they function perfectly well," said WWF advisor, Dr Mark Wright.

Pandas occasionally eat meat but they feast mostly on leaves and bamboo. The majority of the pandas can be found in central and western China. Luckily, the Chinese government has established a number of reserves for them. Not only are they poached for their coats, they are also threatened by the disappearance of their habitat as industrialization and development inches in on them.

Which other animals face imminent extinction?