This page provides information about the characteristics, ecology, classification, distribution, and habitat of red pandas. Red pandas are bred and kept in zoos and live in mountain forests. They are very cute and popular animals. Their fur is long and soft, and they are even used to make dolls. They are quite popular, but they are actually an endangered species.
What is a red panda? About basic status
The red panda is a mammal in the genus Ailurus and family Ailurus in the order Carnivora. Its scientific name is Ailurus fulgens. Its body length is 50-65cm and it weighs 3-6kg. It is also known as the bear cat. Many people mistake it for a wild giant panda or raccoon, but it is a different species. It has a habit of standing up, which is said to be cute.
| Japanese（和名） | レッサーパンダ |
| English（英名） | Lesser Panda / Cat-Bear / Red Panda |
| scientific name(学名) | Rangifer tarandus |
| classification（分類） | Mammalia、 Carnivora、Ailuridae、Ailurus 哺乳綱、食肉目、レッサーパンダ科、レッサーパンダ属 |
| IUCN Status(保全状況) | ENDANGERED |
| Length（体長） | 50～65cm |
| Weight（体重） | 3～6kg |
About classification
The Red Panda genus is actually not just one species. There are many subspecies. The following subspecies exist. There are no major differences in the head, front legs, hands, bones, ears, etc. There are many wild pandas on land in Sichuan Province and other areas, and they are often seen behaving well, which makes them the news.
| Name (名前) | Academic Name (学名) | Habit (生息地) |
| nepal red panda ネパールレッサーパンダ | Ailurus fulgens fulgens | Northeastern India, Nepal, Bhutan インド北東部、ネパール、ブータン |
| Shisen Red Panda シセンレッサーパンダ | Ailurus fulgens styani | China, Myanmar 中国、ミャンマー |
classification
Red pandas were once classified as part of the Ursidae or Procyonidae families, but are now classified as their own family.
- 界：動物界（Animalia）
- 門：脊索動物門（Chordata）
- 綱：哺乳綱（Mammalia）
- 目：食肉目（Carnivora）
- 科：レッサーパンダ科（Ailuridae）
- 属：レッサーパンダ属（Ailurus）
- 種：Ailurus fulgens
About the habitat of the red panda
Red pandas can be found in India, China, Nepal, Bhutan, and Myanmar.
- Geographic Distribution
Red pandas are found in the mountainous regions of eastern Asia.
Northern India (eastern part of the Himalayas)
Nepal
Bhutan
Southwestern China (Sichuan and Yunnan provinces)
Northern Myanmar (formerly Burma)
- Environmental Characteristics
Most commonly found in mountain forests at altitudes between 2,200 and 4,800 meters.
Mainly inhabits temperate coniferous forests, broadleaf forests, and mixed forests of bamboo.
Climate: Cool and humid, with cool summers and cold winters.
- Habitat Conditions
Bamboo Presence: Since bamboo leaves are their primary food source, forests with bamboo are essential.
Tree Abundance: Since they primarily live in trees, they require densely branched trees that are easy to climb.
Distance from Humans: Prefers relatively untouched mountain forests rather than those near human settlements.
- Habitat Status
Habitat fragmentation and decline due to deforestation and agricultural development.
Listed as Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
feature is? What kind of creature is it?
Red pandas have short limbs, but each has five fingers and retractable claws. The fur is long and soft, and the limbs and abdomen are dark brown. The tail is quite long and bushy. They are rather nocturnal, often resting in trees during the day. Red pandas are good climbers and can even climb down from trees upside down using their sharp claws. My eyesight and hearing are poor.
- Physical Characteristics
Size: Body length approximately 50-64cm, tail length approximately 28-59cm, weight approximately 3-6kg (males are slightly larger)
Appearance: Round face, small ears, black, round eyes
Coat Color: Reddish-brown coat with white and brown markings on the face. The tail has a ring-shaped stripe pattern.
Tail: Long and bushy, used for balance and protection from the cold.
Limbs: The front paws have pseudo-thumbs, suitable for gripping bamboo.
- Diet
Mainly eats bamboo leaves and young shoots (though not as dependent on bamboo as giant pandas).
They also eat fruits, flowers, insects, small birds, and eggs.
Their digestive abilities are more carnivorous, and they have long intestines to efficiently digest bamboo.
- Behavior/Lifestyle
Mainly arboreal, sleeping and moving in trees.
Nocturnal or crepuscular, they are often active at night or in the morning and evening.
Typically solitary and territorial.
- Personality/Habits
Timid and cautious.
Self-paced and docile, but males will fight over territory during the breeding season.
They have a quiet cry and may bare their teeth when threatening.
- Other characteristics
They have a pseudo-sixth toe (thumb-like bone) similar to that of giant pandas, allowing them to grasp bamboo.
They wrap their tails around their bodies to keep warm.
What will your personality look like?
Red pandas are originally carnivorous animals and have a ferocious and strong temperament. They basically live alone and have a very strong sense of territory. They are not very cooperative and can get very angry, so it is difficult to interact with them. Red pandas are mammals and have long body hair, and can be seen in bamboo forests.
- Basic Personality
Timid and cautious
Sensitive to loud noises and unfamiliar things
If they sense danger, they will immediately flee to the trees
Quiet and independent
Spend time in trees when not active
- Sociability
Generally solitary
Territorial, males avoid contact with each other
Rarely interact with anyone other than their parents
Does not interact with other individuals except during breeding season
- Activity and Behavioral Characteristics
Curious but cautious
Shows interest in food and objects, but is cautious about approaching them
Nocturnal and crepuscular
Mostly active at night, in the morning and evening, and sleeps most of the day
- Relationships with Humans
Highly cautious and does not tame people
In zoos, they are slowly accustomed to being exhibited, but in the wild, they will immediately flee if approached
What is the ecology of the red panda?
Red pandas live on bamboo shoots, insects, acorns, bamboo, eggs, grass, fruit, and nuts. They eat a lot. The breeding season is from January to March, and the gestation period is about four months. The baby reaches sexual maturity at about 18 to 20 months. It is said that they live for about 15 years.
- Living Environment
Habitat: Forests from the eastern Himalayas to southwestern China, at altitudes of 2,200 to 4,800 meters
Arboreal Life: Spends most of its time in trees
Burrows: Uses tree branches, hollows, and makeshift bedding made from bamboo and fallen leaves
- Diet
Main Food: Bamboo leaves and young shoots
Other: Also eats fruits, flowers, insects, small birds, and eggs
Digestion: As a carnivore, its digestive abilities are more carnivorous, but it has intestines capable of efficiently digesting bamboo
- Behavior
Activity: Nocturnal or crepuscular
Sleep: Often rests curled up in trees during the day
Movement: Moves along branches in trees and rarely descends to the ground
- Breeding
Breeding Season: Mainly winter to spring
Gestation Period: Approximately 134 days
Birth: Gives birth to 1 to 4 (usually around 2) babies
Raising: Raises babies in the mother’s burrow, then transitions to arboreal life as they grow older
- Sociality
Generally solitary
Many males have territories, and male-to-male contact is rare except during breeding season.
There is little contact between males and their offspring.
- Communication
Calls: Soft cries and bared teeth when threatening.
Scent: Marks territory with anal glands and scent glands on feet.
- Lifespan
Wild: Approximately 8-10 years
Captive: Approximately 15 years
What are the red panda’s natural enemies?
Enemies of the red panda include snow leopards, leopards, eagles, hawks, and wolves. They have natural enemies not only on land but also in the air.
About Red Panda Cub
Learn more about red panda cubs (babies).
- Birth
Gestation Period: Approximately 134 days
Size at Birth: Very small, approximately 110-130g
Appearance: Born with thin fur and closed eyes
- Growth and Development
Eye Opening: Approximately 18-25 days after birth
Hair Growth: Within a few weeks of birth, the fur grows and turns reddish-brown
Walking: Approximately one month after birth, the baby gradually begins practicing walking and tree climbing
- Relationship with Mother
Raised in the mother’s burrow (a sleeping space made from tree branches, hollows, bamboo, and fallen leaves)
Nursing: Breastfeeds until approximately three months of age
Transition to Arboreal Life: While practicing tree climbing with the mother, the baby gradually becomes independent
- Weaning and Independence
Weaning: Begins eating bamboo and fruit at approximately three to four months of age
Independence: Becomes fully independent, able to eat and move around on its own at approximately eight to twelve months of age
- Personality/Characteristics
Very timid and docile
Highly dependent on their mother for a long period of time, they adapt their behavior to hers
Curious, but still clumsy at climbing trees
Is the red panda an endangered species?
Red pandas are listed as an endangered species. Furthermore, it is listed in Appendix I of the Washington Convention, and international trade is severely restricted. The estimated global population is only 10,000. The reasons for the decline in population are as follows.
poaching and overfishing
Poaching and overfishing are on the rise. Hunting for pets or for their fur is a particular problem, and the reality is that their population is decreasing year by year.
habitat loss
Environmental destruction is a problem in China. Furthermore, rapid land development in Southeast Asia has been occurring since the 2010s, and the number of places where red pandas can live is rapidly decreasing.
Conservation activities starting in each country
A red panda anti-poaching unit and community-based surveillance have been established in Langtang National Park. Since 2010, community-based conservation programs have been launched in 10 districts of Nepal. We are also protecting and monitoring red panda habitat in other parts of Nepal.
Can red pandas be bred?
Red pandas have a ferocious personality and are designated as an endangered species, so it is extremely difficult for the general public to keep them.
- Legal Restrictions
Red pandas are designated as an endangered species (Vulnerable) and are an internationally protected species.
Even in Japan, private individuals are not legally permitted to keep them.
Only facilities with special permission, such as zoos and research institutions, are allowed to keep them.
- Ecology and Difficulties
Unique Diet
Their staple diet is bamboo leaves, so ensuring freshness and variety is essential.
They also eat fruit and insects, so a balanced diet is essential.
They primarily live in trees.
They require large, three-dimensional spaces and become stressed without trees or branches.
They are sensitive to stress.
Captivity and changes in their environment can cause illness and loss of appetite.
- Examples of Captivity
They are kept in zoos and conservation facilities around the world.
Keeping them requires a dedicated bamboo supply route, treetop space, and temperature and humidity control.
Some Japanese zoos import bamboo from Sichuan and Yunnan provinces.
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