Nepalese Red Panda
Ailurus fulgens fulgens
Conservation Status
EndangeredMammalia · Carnivora · Ailuridae
About
The red panda, also known as the lesser panda, is a small mammal native to the eastern Himalayas and southwestern China. It has dense reddish-brown fur with a black belly and legs, white-lined ears, a mostly white muzzle and a ringed tail. Its head-to-body length is 51–63.5 cm (20.1–25.0 in) with a 28–48.5 cm (11.0–19.1 in) tail, and it weighs between 3.2 and 15 kg. It is well adapted to climbing due to its flexible joints and curved semi-retractile claws.
Fun Fact
Nepalese red pandas have a false thumb (an extended wrist bone) just like giant pandas, but DNA shows this is convergent evolution — the two species aren't closely related at all.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Temperate montane bamboo forests
Diet
Herbivore
Lifespan
8-12 years
Threats
- Deforestation
- Genetic Bottleneck
- Poaching
- Wildfire