Red Panda

What is the scientific name?

Ailurus fulgens

What is this animal's status?

Highly endangered

What family does it belong to?

Mammal

What is the animal's habitat?

Fir forests, high mountains, dense bamboo, and beech usually found near water source.

Where is this animal's habitat?

Mountainous regions, Asia

What is the range of this animal's habitat?

They range extends through Nepal, northeastern India, Bhutan, southern Tibet, and Laos.

Describe your animal:

Red pandas have a long bushy tail, undercoat that is soft and woolly. It has whiskers which looks like a cat but because it's flat nose and striped face, it looks like a raccoon.

What is the number known to exist of your animal?

Unknown

What is the average lifespan of your animal?

The lifespan of a red panda is 14 years in captivity. An average lifespan is 8-10 years, in the wild is a lot lesser.

What is the primary and secondary food of your animal?

Young bamboo leaves, fruits, nuts, berries, mushrooms, grasses, bark, and lichen. They eat meat too such as insects, bird eggs, mouse, and bamboo rats.

Information on reproduction:

They give birth to 1-4 cubs once a year.

What threatens the life of this animal?

Extensive deforestation

If your animal migrates, what is the migration route?

When they are migrating they do not have a route but the female red pandas always stay within the central part of their territory and the males spends their time patrolling their territory. Both male and female red pandas mark their territory with a pungent, oily fluid and with a clear fluid that is released from the pores of their feet. They detect the scent through their sense of taste.

Are there any unusual or little known facts about your animal?

The red panda has an extra thumb and are excellent climbers. Their pads are covered with fur! Red pandas are easy to tame even though they are very aggressive. They can jump 5 feet from one branch to another. When the little creature is scared, they would snort or sharp hisses exactly like as housecat.

Are there any stories, songs, or poems about your animal?

No

What has been done to protect your animal?

Many red pandas are in captivity which helped the population of the red pandas rise but not enough to make this animal out of danger. Breeding and management priorities were established and determine many new pairings and moves. The infant mortality rates rose since 6 years ago.

Are there any current issues or controversies happening in your area concerning your animal?

No

What other ideas or programs would you like to see in your area to help protect the endangered animals?

A special organization for endangered species would be great. There could also be a fundraiser or walk-a-thon to help the animals just like the walk-a-thon for the ill. That will how much we care for animals.