Red pandas are unique animals that live in the Himalayan mountain region. Sadly, it is their beauty and mystiriousness that caused them to be on the brink of endangerment. These elusive creatures are difficult to observe in their natural habitat. This paper will not only discuss the red panda’s way of life but also share what is being done to protect these amazing creatures.
Frederic Cuvier, a French zoologist first cataloged the red panda or Ailurus Fulgens (Red Panda Ailurus Fulgens) in 1825. Cuvier said , “it was the most beautiful animal he had ever seen.” He named it Ailurus, which comes from the Greek word ailourus, which translates to cat, and Fulgens “meaning fire-colored or shining”(Mammals | Red Panda). The name “panda” was originally named for the red panda and which comes from a Nepalese word “nigalya ponya” which means “bamboo eater” (“Red Panda.” WorldWildlife.org.).
The red panda is a unique and beautiful looking creature that lives up to eight years on average (Red Pandas, Red Panda Pictures, Red Panda Facts – National Geographic.). The red panda ranges from thirty-two inches to forty-six inches, “about the size of a house cat” (“12 Furry Facts About Red Pandas.” ) and can weigh up to twenty pounds on average (Red Pandas, Red Panda Pictures, Red Panda Facts). The red panda’s fur is mainly a rusty color and on their face they have white markings above the eyes, on their cheeks, and muzzle. Fur from the belly to the paws is dark brown and they have a long bushy tail with red and brown rings. They use their tail as a blanket on cold nights when they are sleeping and their fur is thick to help them conserve warmth. On the soles of their paws, they have “thick and wooly fur” (“Red Panda.” (Ailurus Fulgens)) that helps prevent them from slipping off wet branches. Similar to the giant panda the red panda as well has an extended wrist bone, which helps them grasp on to branches, bamboo, and other objects.
In contrast to the red panda’s physical features, its breeding and social behavior are still being observed and researched. What has been noted by scientists is that red pandas are nocturnal animals that stay up from dawn to dusk. They are mischievous and energetic, even when they are young. (“Red Panda: Habitat, Facts & Information, Endangered, Lifestyle, Diet, Breeding, Baby, Sounds, Behavior.”) In James Gorman’s article, “Red Pandas are Adorable and in Trouble” he interviewed biologist Elizabeth Freeman and she said, “They are secretive animals.” Since they are private animals it is difficult to observe them in the wild. Red pandas begin breeding at the early age of sixteen to eighteen months and their breeding season is from late fall to winter. In addition, the females’ pregnancy gestation period lasts for about four months (Red Panda: Habitat, Facts & Information, Endangered, Lifestyle, Diet, Breeding, Baby, Sounds, Behavior). Red pandas make their nests in hollow tree trunks and the young stay in the nest up to ninety days. The females are left raising the young while the males leave and have nothing to do with its mate and babies. (Red Panda: Habitat, Facts & Information, Endangered, Lifestyle, Diet, Breeding, Baby, Sounds, Behavior.” Red Panda: Habitat, Facts & Information, Endangered, Lifestyle, Diet, Breeding, Baby, Sounds, Behavior.) Red pandas live in high-elevated forests in the Himalayan Mountains of Nepal and central China. (Red Pandas, Red Panda Pictures, Red Panda Facts – National Geographic.) The elevation ranges between 4,900 to 13,000 feet. In the winter the climate is very cold while the summer is warm (“Climate & Weather.”) Red Pandas move to the summit during the colder months. (“12 Furry Facts About Red Pandas.” ) Their main source of food is bamboo, but they eat other things such as fruit, nuts, roots, and eggs.
The cute and adorable red panda is an endangered species with less than 10,000 of them in the wild. While red pandas are being hunted for their fur by humans and by snow leopards for food, the main source of their endangerment is deforestation. (“Endangered Species: “The Red Panda.”) As said in James Gorman article “Red Pandas are Adorable and in Trouble” for the New York Times, “If the red panda were to become extinct, Dr. Glatston said, that would be at least taxonomically, like losing the whole cat family, from lions to domestic cats.” Since red pandas were classified as their own species, they are the only living species of the genus Ailurus and the Ailuridae family.
In conclusion, the thought of losing an entire species made up of only the red panda boggles the mind. As a result, various non-profit organizations such as the Red Panda Network have been established to help preserve these beautiful animals. Representatives have worked with local villagers to create project “Punde Kundo” to help monitor forests where the red panda inhabits. Supporters of the Red panda try working closely with the local communities to come up with ideas and solutions to combat deforestation and animal poaching. The answer is clear, through better understanding and public awareness the red panda can be protected.