Red Panda

scientific name

Ailurus fulgens fulgens

size

Weight. 6½-10 lbs.
Body. 31-43"
Tail Length. 11-19"

characteristics

sensitive to heat
Claws. partially retractable • pointed • no edge • sharp • help climb
Esophagus. tough
Gait. waddling
Intestinal Tract. short
Paws. hairy soles reduce slipping on wet branches & reduce heat loss on snow
Skull. powerful structure
Stomach. tough
Teeth. powerful molars
Thumb. pseudo-thumb is extension of wrist bone
Toes. flat-footed

behavior

crepuscular • nocturnal • sleeps by day in trees • active in trees & on ground (spends time equally between)
Territory. male mark territory with anal gland markings

reproduction/life span

Life span. up to 14 yrs
Implantation. delayed
Gestation. no agreement • reports vary from 85-110 days • depends greatly on latitude & climate
Birthing. spring • in hollow tree or rock crevice
Young. 1-2 (3-4 rarely) • young remain in nest for a long period • development slow compared to other carnivores of same size • nest sites may be changed several times before weaning

diet

omnivore
Wild. bamboo (principle food), berries, eggs, fruits, grasses, insects, rodents (small), roots, & young birds
Zoo. high fiber gruel with fruit • fresh bamboo daily

habitat/range

bamboo thickets • high altitude mountain forests • southeast slopes of Himalayas

status

CITES App II • SSP • studbook participant • declining

other

only animal in the sub-family Ailurinae • part of the larger family Procyonidae (coatis, kinkojous, & raccoons)

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