Red Panda (Lesser Panda)
Despite being called a panda bear, red pandas are actually part of the Ailuridae family and are not related to Panda bears (as we know them) at all. The red panda is the only species of the sub-species Ailurus and is scientifically Ailurus fulgens. In Latin, Ailurus fulgens, literally means ‘shining cat’.
There are mixed messages about what this animal should be classed as due to it being the only member of the Ailurus sub-species. Many people believe it should be classed as a bear due to similarities there, but it also shares similarities with procyonids (Raccoons). It used to be classed with animals such as Raccoons as they both belong to the same family of Ailuridae. Today I believe that it is now classed as a bear; yet it is not in the Ursus family.
There are currently two subspecies of the Red Panda, Ailurus fulgens fulgens and Ailurus fulgens styani.
The red panda is also known as the ‘lesser panda’, ‘red cat-bear’ and ‘tolai hare’.
Red pandas are most commonly found in the Himalayas and mountainous areas around china and other such places. Red pandas are very good climbers and are most likely to be found in trees.
The IUCN classification of this animal is ‘Endangered’ due to hunting and habitat loss.
In terms of appearance these animals have a lovely red coat. They are quite small being at the most 28 inches long. They have a bushy tail (a little like a fox) that has distinctive yellowish rings around it.
It is likely that this animal got the name ‘panda’ associated with it due to its white markings on its face, around its eyes.
If you have any information about how this animal should be classified or previous classifications of this animal then please share it in a comment.
May 30, 2010
· 
Maddia (Admin) · 
One Comment
Tags: Animals, Bears, raccoons, rare bears, wild animals · Posted in: Panda Bear Species
One Response
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