Red panda is a cute and cuddly animal that is native to the mountains of Nepal, Bhutan, and China. It is also known as the Lesser Panda, and its scientific name is Ailurus fulgens. In this article, we will share some interesting facts about red pandas that will make you love them even more.
1. Appearance
Red pandas have a unique appearance that sets them apart from other animals. They have a reddish-brown fur coat, white face, and bushy tail. Their tail is used for balance and to keep them warm during winter.
2. Diet
Red pandas are primarily herbivores and eat bamboo, fruits, and berries. They have a special thumb-like structure that helps them hold and eat bamboo shoots. Occasionally, red pandas eat small animals like insects and small rodents.
3. Habitat
Red pandas live in the mountainous regions of South Asia. They are found in temperate forests that are covered with bamboo thickets. They are solitary animals and prefer to live in high-altitude forests.
4. Endangered species
Red pandas are classified as endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The major threats to their survival are habitat loss due to deforestation, climate change, and poaching.
5. Behavior
Red pandas are nocturnal animals and are most active during dawn and dusk. They are excellent climbers and spend most of their time on trees. They are also very vocal and use sounds to communicate with each other.
6. Learning to climb
Red panda cubs are born blind and helpless. They learn to climb and move around trees after three months. Their mother takes care of them until they are able to fend for themselves.
7. Lifespan
Red pandas have a lifespan of around 8-10 years in the wild and up to 15 years in captivity. They mature at around two to three years of age.
