Scientific name: Ailurus fulgens
Conservation status: Endangered
Size: 50-65cm with a 30-50cm tail
Weight: 3-6.2kg
Diet: Herbivore mostly eating bamboo
Lifespan: Around 12 years
Baby: Cubs
 

Red Pandas live in the dense bamboo thickets of the Himalayas and other tall mountains of East Asia. Two subspecies are recognised, the Chinese and Himalayan Red Pandas, though recent research suggests these two populations should be classed as different species. 

Despite having the digestive system of a meat-eater and a powerful jaw, Red Pandas mostly eat bamboo, but will sometimes opportunistically eat fruit, lichen, insects, eggs, and lizards. Bamboo leaves have a low nutritional value and are difficult to digest but are a very abundant food source. Red Pandas must spend over 10 hours per day feeding and will eat up to 20,000 leaves in a day to reach their nutritional needs. 

Before giving birth, a female Red Panda makes a nest out of twigs and leaves in a tree hollow or rock crevice. Newborn cubs are blind and covered in blonde hair. Their eyes open and their fur starts to turn red within four weeks. They start to venture beyond the nest at three months. 

A false second thumb for gripping, a long tail for balance, and flexible joints allow the Red Panda to traverse through trees with ease. Holding on tight, they descend trees headfirst.

Red Pandas were the first species to be named Panda. The black-and-white Giant Panda was named later, believed to be its closest relative. However genetic studies have since shown these two pandas to be less related than once thought, with their last common ancestor living more than 40 million years ago. Genetic studies have now shown Red Pandas to be closer relatives of racoons, skunks, otters and even seals than to Giant Pandas. 

Red Pandas are classed as endangered, with populations in decline. Habitat loss, driven by growing human populations, is the greatest threat to these animals. Diseases spread from domestic dogs also pose risks. Red Pandas are also illegally hunted for their pelts and captured for the exotic pet trade in Asia, which is increasingly being fuelled by social media. 

Taronga’s breeding group of Red Pandas are ambassadors for their wild counterparts. You can help protect Red Pandas by choosing FSC-certified products to help end the deforestation of their habitat. Look for the FSC green tree-tick when shopping for paper and timber products to ensure they are sourced sustainably, protecting these tree-dwellers and their forest homes.