Animal Profiles
Mammals

Red Panda

Ailurus fulgens

Living

Living individuals or members of this group exist today. This does not mean they are safe from extinction.

The red panda is a tree-climbing mammal of Himalayan mountain forests. Bamboo leaves dominate its diet, although it also takes other foods.

Ailurus fulgens

Sunuwargr · CC BY-SA

At a glance

Location
Himalayan temperate forests with bamboo and trees that provide shelter.
Habitat
Temperate forest, Mountains
Diet
Herbivore
Food
Mainly bamboo leaves, plus fruit and other seasonal foods.

Classification

Common name
Red Panda
Browse group
Mammals
Scientific name or taxon
Ailurus fulgens
Taxon rank
species
Order
Carnivora
Family
Ailuridae
Genus
Ailurus
Source classification
Mammalia

Taxonomy checked against GBIF. For breeds and hybrids, this describes the listed parent taxon.

Measurements

Size and speed

Length
56 to 62.5 cm head-and-body length, excluding the tail

Typical adult ranges. Source: Animal Diversity Web.

Three things to know

  • Bamboo leaves dominate its diet.
  • Its ringed tail helps with balance.
  • It can descend tree trunks headfirst.

Habitat and range

Himalayan temperate forests with bamboo and trees that provide shelter.

Appearance and adaptations

Reddish upper fur contrasts with dark legs and underparts. A long, ringed tail helps it balance as it moves between branches.

Diet and behaviour

It is usually solitary and often active around dusk, dawn and night. Food is grasped in a forepaw, and trees provide resting places.

Sources

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