Red Panda
Vulnerable- Population is decreasing
The Red Panda (Ailurus fulgens) - Overview
The Red Panda has continued controversy all over the world since it was introduced in 1825. The Red Panda is placed with the racoon family, but has it's own separate family called the Ailurinae. It has a family history of connecting to the Bear and Racoon family. The coat of the Red Panda, which is a Reddish Brown color, helps the Panda blend into trees and other wildlife. Currently only 2 of the species still exist, Ailurus fulgens fulgens and A. f. styani .
Biology
Red Panda's are normally seen during dawn and dusk, where they are also seen in the tree's. Red Panda's are one of a few animals that feed off of Bamboo for their diet. Red Pandas are only active for about 56% of the day.
Range
Red Panda's are normally found in Himalayas and mountainous regions of northern Myanmar, and western Sichuan and Yunnan Provinces in China. The A.f. fulgens are normally found in western nepal and north eastern india, and the A.f.styani are found to the east.
Vulnerable
The Red Panda is classified as vulnerable which is in between endangered and near threatened. If people don't do things to save the Red Panda it will become exinct. They are suffering from loss of habitat due to the need of new construction and wood that the panda lives in
Ways to help save Red Pandas:
- Become a Red Panda Network member and enjoy the perks! Membership starts at $25 a year.
- Adopt a red panda and help us fight deforestation and wildlife crime in eastern Nepal
- Sponsor a Red Panda Network Forest Guardian so that we can continue our work monitoring and protecting red panda habitat
Fun Facts
- The Scientific name of the Red Panda means 'fire colored cat', but shares more history and similarities with the bear and raccoons
- Like the giant panda, the Red panda is based on bamboo for their diet
- The red panda has a modified wrist bone that acts as a sixth digit or thumb
BY: HOLLY MITCHELL