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Red Panda

Ailurus fulgens

Quick Facts

Scientific name: Ailurus fulgens
Class: Mammal
Weight: 8 to 17 pounds
Life span: 9 to 13 years
Conservation status: Endangered
Number of offspring: 1 to 4 cubs in a litter

About

I LIVE IN ASIA

Red pandas are native to areas of Asia such as northern Myanmar, Nepal, India, Tibet and China in high-altitude, temperate forests.


I AM A CARNIVORE

Red pandas are considered a mostly-vegetarian carnivore. 95% of this species’ diet is made up of bamboo. Red pandas will eat the leafy tips of the bamboo, as well as the tender shoots when they are available. However, their ancestors were carnivores, making them the same.


RED PANDAS ARE SOLITARY

Red pandas are solitary creatures, except during breeding season.


RED FOR A REASON

A red panda’s red and black fur helps them camouflage from predators! Their red fur matches the color of the trees in their habitat and the black fur on their stomach makes them difficult to see from below. Their fur also helps them defend themselves against snow leopards, who are red-green colorblind and have a very difficult time spotting red pandas in their habitat.


HELPING RED PANDAS IN THE WILD

The Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo supports the Red Panda Network in its efforts to empower local communities with community-based research, education, and carbon mitigation.


I AM IMPORTANT TO MY ECOSYSTEM

Red pandas are the only remaining species in their taxonomic family. Red pandas live within the Eastern Himalayan broadleaf forest. Working to preserve red pandas also helps preserve this forest area, which is a biodiversity hotspot.


 

Conservation

Learn more about our efforts, our conservation partners around the world, and the simple steps you can take to contribute.

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