Mammal profile

Red Panda

Ailurus fulgens

Red pandas are small, mostly solitary mammals of cool mountain forests. They spend much of their time in trees and feed heavily on bamboo despite having the digestive system of a carnivore.

Red Panda in its natural environment
Photo: Mathias Appel. CC0.
HabitatTemperate mountain forest
DietMostly bamboo
RangeEastern Himalayas and southwest China
Signature traittree-climbing bamboo specialist

Adaptations

A flexible ankle joint helps the red panda climb down trunks headfirst. Thick fur covers the body and foot soles, while a wrist bone functions like a false thumb for grasping bamboo stems.

Behavior and daily life

Red pandas are small, mostly solitary mammals of cool mountain forests. They spend much of their time in trees and feed heavily on bamboo despite having the digestive system of a carnivore.

Conservation

Current profile labelSee current reference

Conservation conditions vary across the species range. Follow the linked background reference for the latest assessment and regional guidance.

Its long ringed tail helps with balance and can wrap around the body for warmth.

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