Did you know there’s such a cute creature known as a red panda? These adorable mammals, more commonly referred to as lesser pandas, inhabit the eastern Himalayas and southwestern China and feature white-lined ears with cute ringed tails adorning reddish-brown fur that boasts white accents for extra charm! But these furry companions offer more than meets the eye; their intellect rivals that of humans in terms of mental capabilities as well.
Want to gain more insight? Please take a peek at 10 fascinating facts about red pandas to unlock their charm!
10 Captivating Facts About Red Pandas
1: Red Pandas Were Discovered Before Giant Pandas
Red pandas were first identified and classified scientifically as Ailurus fulgens in 1825 long before giant pandas. While both species share bamboo as a food source, their lineages differ dramatically and do not remain closely connected.
Red pandas fall within Ailuridae, while giant pandas reside within Ursidae. Later, however, giant pandas were given the name “panda” due to similarities with red pandas, thus making red pandas truly the original “pandas.” Furthermore, their discovery prior to giant ones further solidifies this conclusion reds being both the original and first “pandas.”
2: Red Pandas Have a “False Thumb” for Gripping Bamboo
Red pandas possess an interesting anatomical trait: an enlarged wrist bone commonly referred to as a false thumb or pseudo-thumb, which is often used for gripping bamboo stems and branches. Although initially it was believed this trait only developed for eating bamboo, a 2006 study demonstrated its prevalence among carnivorous ancestors, too!
3: Baby Red Pandas, Known as Cubs, Are Born Blind and Helpless
One fascinating aspect of red pandas is their cubs—newborn red panda babies known as cubs—born blind and helpless. After several weeks, their eyes open gradually; then, for at least 3-4 months, their mother provides everything from survival assistance to care. Only then do cubs begin exploring beyond their nest!
4: Red Pandas Eat Bamboo But Sometimes Consume Fruits, Insects, and Small Mammals
Red pandas primarily eat bamboo, placing their energy needs under tight restrictions for most of the year. However, they still find sustenance in roots, succulent grasses, fruits, insects, and grubs to supplement their diet, occasionally hunting birds and small mammals for food as well. Their diverse diet helps them efficiently meet all their energy requirements despite this heavy reliance on bamboo alone.
5: Red Pandas Were Recently Divided Into Two Species
Red pandas were recently classified into two species: Himalayan (A. f. fulgens) and Chinese red (A. f. strain).
- The Himalayan red panda stands out with a straighter profile, lighter forehead, and orange-tipped hairs on its lower back and rump.
- The Chinese red panda exhibit more curved foreheads and sloping snouts, along with darker coats, reduced white patches on their faces, and distinct rings in their tails.
6: Red Pandas Are Skilled Climbers
Red pandas are expert climbers, spending most of their time in trees as shelter from predators or just sunbathing in winter sunbathing. Their highly flexible ankles allow them to climb adeptly; additional aid comes in the form of extended, sharp semi, retractable claws, which add another level of climbing strength, allowing red pandas to descend tree trunks headfirst, showcasing their impressive climbing prowess!
7: Red Pandas Are a Bit Larger Than Domestic Cats
Red pandas dwarf domestic cats in size. They boast bear-like bodies adorned with thick red-brown fur and can often reach 20 to 25 inches long, with tail lengths reaching 11 to 19 inches. They weigh between 6 and 14 lbs.
Domestic cats tend to measure around 18 inches long with an 11-inch tail length and weigh on average 8-12 pounds.
8: They Have a Separate Genetic Family
As it initially resembled a raccoon due to its distinctive ringed tail, red pandas were initially misunderstood as being related to bears; however, later scientific research proved otherwise and revealed they belong to their own genetic family, Ailuridae. Classified and named Ailurus fulgens in 1825 by scientists worldwide as one of the world’s rarest mammals with unparalleled evolutionarily rare features and threatened populations worldwide.
9: Red Pandas’ Red Color Camouflages Them From Their Predators
Red pandas are small mammals known for using their reddish coats and distinctive white facial markings to blend in seamlessly with their mountainous forest habitats, where there may be reddish-brown moss or white lichen covering trees.
Spending much of their time in trees helps snow leopards avoid predators such as predatory cats. Furthermore, their black fur provides additional protection from potential threats, making the best use of camouflaging against dark foliage for protection.
10: Red Pandas Are Endangered
Even though red pandas are an endangered species, legal protection exists in India, Bhutan, China, Nepal and Myanmar to ensure their conservation. Legal safeguards exist in each of these nations for red panda protection; their survival remains threatened due to habitat loss, human interference and poaching, which has decreased populations by an alarming 40% since 1980, placing an immediate risk upon their existence.
Conclusion
Red pandas are truly captivating animals with unique traits that set them apart from other species. From being discovered before giant pandas were even known to their adorable appearance and impressive climbing skills, red pandas offer so much for us to marvel at and learn from! Here are ten facts about red pandas that provide more in-depth details about this species as well as information regarding its endangered status and the world of red panda caretaking.
FAQs
What are 5 interesting facts about red pandas?
- Red pandas were discovered first.
- Their bodies feature a “false thumb,” for better grasping bamboo stalks.
- Baby red panda cubs are blind and helpless at birth
- Adults primarily eat bamboo but will occasionally also snack on fruit, insects and small mammals.
- red pandas were officially divided into two species.
How long does a red panda live?
Red pandas may live for 23 years; however, signs of ageing typically start appearing around 12-14 years of age.
How much do red pandas sleep?
Red pandas have long been known to sleep for 17 hours daily – mostly during daytime hours.
How often do red pandas eat?
Red pandas typically spend 10-16 hours every day feeding on bamboo, their favourite source of sustenance.
How old is the oldest red panda?
Taylor was recorded to have lived for 24 years, making her one of the oldest known red pandas.
Did red pandas go extinct?
No red pandas have become extinct yet; however, they are considered endangered due to habitat loss, human interference and poaching.