Red panda
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Ailurus fulgens fulgens
Bamboo Eater
The word panda means "bamboo eater" in Nepal. Like the Giant Panda, Red Pandas rely on a diet of bamboo to survive. The relationship between the Giant Panda (which is a bear) and the Red Panda is not clearly understood although the animals do share the two animals do share similar adaptations.
Daytime Sleeper
Pandas are crepuscular, which means they are most active at dawn and dusk.
"Calling Cards"
Red Pandas use urine and feces to mark their territory. Scent glands on the soles of their feet also leave markers.
Habitat/Range
Bamboo and oak forests in the Himalayas
Wild Diet
Mainly bamboo. Also, acorns, roots, berries, lichens, and occasionally bird eggs and young birds
Predators
Snow leopards, yellow-necked martens, and humans
Reproduction
After a gestation of about 114 days, the female gives birth to 1-4 cubs in a tree cavity or rock cleft. The cubs are weaned at 5 months of age and are mature at 18 months.
Conservation
THREATENED
Red Pandas are seriously threatened due to habitat destruction.
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