# Red Panda (*Ailurus fulgens*) Red pandas are adorable animals with fluffy fur and a cute face! They love to climb trees and eat bamboo. - **Category:** [Mammals](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/mammal) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Habitat:** Mountain forests in Asia - **Also known as:** Lesser Panda, Red Bear Cat ![Red Panda](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771426093/objects/4524.jpg) ## Appearance The Red Panda has thick reddish-brown fur, a long bushy tail with alternating dark and light rings, and striking white markings on its face and around its eyes. Its dark belly contrasts with its vibrant upper coat, making it look quite distinct. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Mammalia - **Order:** Carnivora - **Family:** Ailuridae - **Genus:** Ailurus ## Interesting facts - Red Pandas are not closely related to Giant Pandas, despite their shared name. - Red Pandas often sleep curled up with their tail covering their face like a blanket. - They are such clean animals; they spend hours grooming themselves just like cats! - They communicate using adorable squeaks, whistles, and even huffing sounds! ## Special abilities - **Agile Climber:** Red Panda can climb trees easily thanks to its sharp, semi-retractable claws that provide excellent grip. - **Balancing Tail:** Red Panda uses its long, bushy tail for balance while navigating high branches and for warmth while sleeping. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 79-120 cm - **Weight:** 3-6 kg - **Lifespan:** 8-10 years - **Speed:** 24 km/h - **Litter Size:** 1-4 - **Gestation:** 90-150 days ## Diet & Feeding These agile animals are omnivores, munching mainly on bamboo, supplemented with fruits, roots, and small critters. - **Primary Foods:** Bamboo shoots, Bamboo leaves, Berries, Acorns, Bird eggs, Insects - **Foraging Method:** Foraging ## Ecological connections - **Eaten by:** [Snow Leopard](https://www.snappit.app/explore/snow-leopard) (*Panthera uncia*) — A top predator in their mountain forest habitat. - **Eaten by:** [Dhole](https://www.snappit.app/explore/dhole) (*Cuon alpinus*) — Can prey on red pandas, especially cubs or weak individuals. - **Depends on:** Umbrella Bamboo (*Fargesia robusta*) — Their primary food source, providing essential nutrients and shelter. - **Hunts:** Himalayan Monal (*Lophophorus impejanus*) — Red Panda sometimes eats their eggs or chicks for protein. ## Traits - [Furry](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/furry): Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur. - [Arboreal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/arboreal): Arboreal animals live primarily in trees, utilizing them for shelter, food, and protection from predators. - [Herbivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/herbivorous): This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material. - [Mountain](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/mountain): This habitat trait identifies species found in mountainous regions, characterized by high elevation, steep slopes, and varying climate zones. - [Carnivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/carnivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue. - [Keystone Species](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/keystone-species): Describes a species whose presence and role have a disproportionately large effect on its environment. - [Threatened](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/threatened): Threatened status denotes a species likely to become endangered in the foreseeable future without effective conservation interventions. - [Nocturnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/nocturnal): Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day. ## Collections - [Mammals](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/mammals) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Red pandas are friendly and not dangerous, but it's best to observe them from a safe distance at the zoo. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Red Panda? Compare ears, muzzle, tail, feet and coat markings. Size is hard to judge without something nearby for scale, and young mammals may not have adult coloring yet. Mammal Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How long is Red Panda? 79-120 cm ### How much does Red Panda weigh? 3-6 kg ### How long does Red Panda live? 8-10 years ### How fast can Red Panda move? 24 km/h ### What does Red Panda eat? These agile animals are omnivores, munching mainly on bamboo, supplemented with fruits, roots, and small critters. ### Where is Red Panda usually found? Mountain forests in Asia ### How does Red Panda hunt? Foraging ## Where to spot - [Akron Zoo](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/akron-zoo) — Ohio, US · Zoo - [Birmingham Zoo](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/birmingham-zoo) — Alabama, US · Zoo - [Bronx Zoo](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/bronx-zoo) — New York, US · Zoo - [Cape May County Park & Zoo](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/cape-may-county-park-and-zoo) — New Jersey, US · Zoo - [Chattanooga Zoo at Warner Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/chattanooga-zoo-at-warner-park) — Tennessee, US · Zoo - [Cotswold Wildlife Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/cotswold-wildlife-park) — England, GB · Zoo [View all places to see Red Panda](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/red-panda) ## More Mammals - [Eastern Fox Squirrel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-fox-squirrel) (*Sciurus niger*) - [Eastern Cottontail](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-cottontail) (*Sylvilagus floridanus*) - [Eastern Chipmunk](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-chipmunk) (*Tamias striatus*) - [California Ground Squirrel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/california-ground-squirrel) (*Otospermophilus beecheyi*) --- Source: [Red Panda: Characteristics, Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/red-panda)