The red panda (or Ailurus fulgens) is a small mammal that lives in the woodlands of the Himalayas and multiple areas of China. Despite its name, it is not closely related to the giant panda, however it does share some characteristics such as a diet mainly consisting of bamboo. With red fur, black legs, a ringed tail, and white ears and snout, the red panda averages between 50 and 64cm from head to body, with a tail 28 to 59cm long. They are excellent climbers and good swimmers that enjoy living in a varied environment.
Latin Name
Ailurus fulgens
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red-panda
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Animal Facts
The red panda is also known as the ‘firefox’.
Red pandas have fur on the soles of their paws that help with scent marking and provide protection from the cold.
Red Pandas have a modified wrist bone that forms a ‘sixth finger’; they use it for stripping bamboo.
Pregnant red pandas will build nests in rock crevices and hollow trees before they give birth to their cubs.
In 2005, a red panda called ‘Babu’ escaped from Birmingham Nature Centre, UK into the city centre. He became a local celebrity and was named ‘Brummie of the Year’ in 2005 – the only non-human to ever win the award.