The Red Panda
Firefox, shining-cat, Ailurus Fulgens
What are Red Pandas?
The Red Panda Range
The red panda lives in southwest China and the Himalayas, in mountains and trees. However, they are losing their habitats because of humans destroying the forests in which they live in. (WP)
Adaptations
Red pandas have a small body mass that lets them walk on thin branches, so heavy predators cannot get to them. They also use their fluffy tails as pillows so they do not lose heat. When escaping from predators, they can use their sharp claws to slide headfirst down a tree, so they can depart quickly when they reach the ground again. (BWU)
Diet- From insects to eggs to small mammals
Red pandas eat a wide variety of foods, including bamboo (which is being cut down, another cause of their vulnerable status), eggs, birds, insects, small mammals, fruits (as shown in the picture to the left), acorns, and roots. (WP)
Reproduction/Mating
Red pandas are usually shy and solitary animals, except for when mating. Female red pandas give birth to 1 to 4 young during the summer. Red panda cubs (shown in the picture to the left) (WP)
Here comes the warning whistle!- Communication
Red pandas communicate using body language, like shaking the tail and head. They also use noises, like barking and squealing, and they have a way of warning each other of danger by whistling to each other. (RPN and WA#1)
Interesting facts
Red pandas have black markings on their faces that look like teardrops. Also, they have extensions on their wrist bones that look like false thumbs. They use these "false thumbs" for grabbing bamboo poles. (WWFI)
Critical Info and The Red Panda Project
The Red Panda Project is standing up
Red pandas have a unique biology. They're one of a kind, which means they are the only species of its kind in the entire world. Also, if the forests that they live in are all preserved, it will be ensured that the people in South Asia will have healthy lives. This is because the forests provide clean air and water. So why not donate to The Red Panda Project? http://redpandanetwork.org/contribute/donate/ (RPN)