Red Panda is slightly larger than a domestic cat with a bear-like body & thick russet fur. Belly & limbs are black, white markings on the head & above small eyes. Red Panda’s are very skilful & acrobatic animals that predominantly stay in trees. Almost 50% of the Red Panda’s habitat is in the Eastern Himalayas. They use their long, bushy tails for balance & to cover themselves in winter for warmth. Primarily an herbivore, the name Panda is said to come from the Nepali word ‘Ponya’ which means a bamboo or plant eating animal.
Climate change is impacting Red Panda’s. Less than 10,000 left in the wild. Loss of nesting trees & bamboo is the main cause. Poached for their distinctive pelts in China & Myanmar. Red Panda fur caps are found for sale in Bhutan. Approximately 38% of the total Red Panda habitat is in Nepal. Endangered.
