When thinking of the red panda (Ailurus fulgens), or red panda bear, we can believe that it is a variety of panda, similar to the Chinese giant panda but red. Well, nothing could be further from the truth, since the red panda is not a type of bear Likewise, there are those who associate it with the raccoon and even call it a raccoon red, but isn't a type of raccoon either The red panda or lesser panda is a completely independent species, not sharing a family with any of the animals mentioned.
This is a species of mammal about which there have been many controversies regarding its taxonomy. Initially, due to morphological similarities, it was included in the group of raccoons, coatis and other relatives (Procyonidae). Later, it was considered to be an ursid (bear) due to some genetic similarities found. However, now the red panda bear is not included in either of the two mentioned groups. Currently, it is still considered in the order of carnivores, but within an independent family: Ailuridae. On the other hand, depending on the reference, the existence of two subspecies is established, Ailurus fulgens fulgens and Ailurus fulgens styani, although there are experts who consider that they should be treated as two separate species.
We then have a beautiful, controversial and particular animal that has features similar to those of raccoons and bears, but does not belong to any of these groups. On our site, we want to introduce you to all the characteristics of the red panda, as well as tell you about its habitat and conservation status, since it is currently a species considered in danger of extinction, given the drastic transformations of its habitat, the indiscriminate hunting for the commercialization of its striking skin and the spread of certain lethal diseases caused by the invasion of some domestic species.
Origin and taxonomy of the red panda
The red panda, lesser panda or Ailurus fulgens is the only species within the Ailurus genus, being also the only one of its family, the Ailuridae. Previously, it was classified within the Procyonidae family, later it became part of the Ursidae family, which includes bears and the giant panda. However, its multiple differences with all these animals made taxonomists separate it from the others, constituting its own family. Thus, it is suspected that all these animals have a common ancestor that originated them. However, it seems that the bear was the first to appear from this line to start evolving on its own; later did the raccoon, the red panda and other animals. For this reason, the red panda can more closely resemble the raccoon physically.
The red panda or lesser panda is native to Southeast Asia, found scattered throughout different countries in that area. However, as we will show later, the red panda has seen its habitats diminished, affecting the survival of the species.
By way of conclusion, the current taxonomic classification of the red panda is as follows:
- Filo: Chordata
- Class: Mammalia
- Order: Carnivora
- Superfamily: Musteloidea
- Family: Ailuridae
- Gender: Ailurus
- Species: Ailurus fulgens
Red Panda Features
The red panda is an animal that does not reach large dimensions, it measures on average 60 centimeters and weighs between 3 and 6 kilos, being males larger than females. Its non-prehensile tail is bushy and quite long, measuring from 37 to 47 centimeters long, which has about twelve rings alternating between red and beige, gives it great balance and allows it to move through slippery areas with great agility. The body is covered with a long, rough and dense red fur, which darkens on the ventral area and towards the legs, on which it tends to be black.
Continuing with the characteristics of the red panda bear, we can say that this animal has a rounded head and, like its snout, it is small, although it has a robust skull. The face presents white coloration, which can be in the form of a kind of mask or like tearsthat run down the eyes. However, these forms vary from one individual to another. The ears are medium and triangular in shape, usually with a combination of white and reddish color. The nose is rounded and black, as are the eyes, which are quite dark. The legs are covered with dense fur that provides protection against the cold. In addition, the front ones lean inwards, which gives it a peculiar way of walking, similar to a duck. Like the panda bear, it has a false thumb and the genitals are not visible.
Red Panda Habitat
Where does the red panda bear live? The red panda's habitat is forested areas of Southeast Asia. Specifically, the red panda lives in regions of the Himalayas, Bhutan, southern Tibet, Yunnan province in China, and northeast India. Thus, in general, the habitat of the red panda is characterized by a cold or temperate climate, without extreme temperatures, closely associated with mountain forests, with the presence of trees such as oaks and firs (conifers) and dense bamboo undergrowth, which are essential for the survival of the species. It also requires the presence of water, so it generally stays close to it, about 100 or 200 meters away. It prefers to stay in areas of the forest with relatively gentle slopes, in which bamboo plants thrive. Similarly, the studies carried out refer that the red panda bear opts for forests where the canopy has a coverage of between 70 and 80%.
Generally, it stays at about 2200-4800 meters above sea level. The presence of a microhabitat with old and fallen trees is also attractive for the species. In some of the regions like China, it shares the habitat with the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca). The environment of the red panda is characterized by few annual changes, so the species is quite susceptible to transformations or sudden impacts in its natural environment.
The red panda lives in tree holes, where it spends much of the day, so it is more active during sunrise and sunset, as well as at night. Therefore, they are considered nocturnal animals.
Red Panda Feeding
What does the red panda eat? Although the red panda is in the order of carnivores, its main diet consists of young leaves and bamboo shootsIt also consumes succulent herbs, fruits, acorns, lichens, and fungi. In addition, to a lesser extent, it can include bird eggs, small rodents, smaller birds and insects; so really eats an omnivorous diet However, his diet is low in calories, which he must compensate for by consuming sufficient amounts of high-quality bamboo, which is not easily digested in its entirety, except for the trunk, which is the part of the plant that can best process.
The digestive deficiency of bamboo by the red panda is due to the fact that microbial action is not the main way of digestion, unlike other animals that consume plants. At the time of feeding, it takes the food with its legs, cuts the piece of food on the side of the mouth and usually chews it for a long time. While doing this, you can be sitting, standing, or on your stomach. In addition, although less common, the red panda can also eat insects and small animals such as rodents or baby birds.
Red Panda Behavior
The red panda is a mainly solitary and arboreal species that only usually interacts with others of its species during the breeding season.
It is an excellent climber, which is why the red panda lives in trees and also feeds on fruit. They are agile enough to walk on the branches of trees, in which they establish sleeping areas. They move quite flexibly as they move between branches, relying on their tails to do so. They descend to the ground head first and, once on the surface, they keep their tails straight and horizontal. They tend to have a slow pace, which they combine with small jumps or a relatively fast trot.
Likewise, the red panda has sedentary habits, so it mainly spends the day sleeping and eating. They are usually more active at dusk, at dawn and in the early hours of the morning, since they are sleeping during the day. After waking up, they carry out a kind of ritual in which they lick their body and especially their legs,parts such as their stomach and back are rubbed with massage movements. Also, once they descend to the ground, they rub their backs on trees and rocks, on which they leave a strong odor thanks to a substance that is produced by the anal gland, constituting a common strategy for marking territory. Additionally, they can also do this with urine.
The red panda is a calm animal, but if it is disturbed or feels in danger, it is able to defend itself aggressively,getting up on its hind legs and using its claws, which can cause serious injury. Despite their solitary habits, they communicate through sounds, which are a kind of shrill cries.
Red Panda Bear Play
In their natural habitat, red pandas overlap their territories, but only come together when it's mating season. They reach sexual maturity at around 18 months and females can have their first offspring at two years of age. Reproduction occurs in winter, specifically between the months of January and March, so that the young are born in spring and summer
The red panda looks for a partner to copulate with and both the male and the female can mate with different specimens in order to guarantee copulation and the subsequent gestation. One of the curiosities of the red panda is that copulation usually occurs on the ground, not in the trees, where they spend most of their lives. As we said, this is the only period in which the red panda is related to others of the same species.
Once mating has occurred, the female begins the gestation period, which usually lasts of 112 to 158 days As happens in all animal species, the future mother builds a nest to give birth and protect her young until they become independent. The females organize nests with branches and leaves in the hollows of trunks or rock crevices, in which they will have their offspring.
The young are born blind and weigh between 110 and 130 grams, and each litter can vary between 1 and 4 individuals, sometimes including twins. Although at 90 days the newborns begin to leave the nest, it is not until they are 6 months old that they become completely independent. In captivity, gestation has some variants, it lasts between 114 and 145 days and commonly 1 to 2 are born per litter. The longevity of individuals in captivity is between 12 and 14 years. These captive breeding processes are part of conservation programs for the maintenance of populations. So individuals are then reintroduced into their natural habitats.
Is the red panda endangered?
The red panda is one of the world's most endangered animal species So why is the red panda endangered? of extinction? The main threats to the species are constituted by the destruction and fragmentation of the habitat, the hunting for obtaining their skin and the illegal trade of individuals to sell them as pets. Also the climate change is another aggravating factor within their populations, since this animal is extremely sensitive to high temperatures, in fact, it cannot tolerate them above 25 ºC. Natural disasters and forest fires also significantly alter the habitat of this animal, which affects the availability of bamboo in some areas, which is vital for the species.
Another extremely important factor is the introduction of dogs into the red panda's habitat, which is highly susceptible to diseases such as canine distemper, which is lethal to them. In this sense, grazing has increased in several of the regions where this animal lives, so the introduction of dogs has also grown significantly, generating the proliferation of the disease in many cases.
Among the actions to protect the species, the red panda has been declared as in danger of extinction by the International Union for Nature Conservation. It is also included in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), as well as in different legislations in India, China, Bhutan, Nepal and Myanmar.
How many red pandas are left in the world?
The IUCN does not know exactly how many red pandas are left in the world. However, he estimates that the number may be around 10,000 individuals. Without a doubt, a truly alarming figure that should make us reflect on how important it is to promote actions for the conservation of the species.
