PH1. CAN YOU SPOT THE REAL PANDA?
Despite sharing a common name, red pandas are not closely related to giant pandas—often considered the real panda. Phylogenetically, the red panda falls under a unique taxonomic group called Ailuridae, sharing common traits with mustelids, which includes racoons, weasels and skunks. Giant Pandas are classified under a separate, distant taxonomic family of bears called Ursidae.
However, the plot thickens as the red panda was first discovered in 1825, while the giant panda was discovered much later in 1869, acquiring the name ‘panda’ as both species share similar feeding habits in the wild. So, which one is the real panda?
In the wild, there are two formally recognised subspecies of red panda. Although, recent studies suggest they might be two separate species. Ailurus fulgens fulgens, which is slightly smaller in size, is mostly found in Nepal, along with India, Myanmar and Bhutan. While Ailurus fulgens refulgens is primarily found in China.
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Despite sharing a common name, red pandas are not closely related to giant pandas—often considered the real panda. Phylogenetically, the red panda falls under a unique taxonomic group called Ailuridae, sharing common traits with mustelids, which includes racoons, weasels and skunks. Giant Pandas are classified under a separate, distant taxonomic family of bears called Ursidae.
However, the plot thickens as the red panda was first discovered in 1825, while the giant panda was discovered much later in 1869, acquiring the name ‘panda’ as both species share similar feeding habits in the wild. So, which one is the real panda?
2. THEY HAVE THUMB-LIKE APPENDAGES FOR GRABBING BAMBOO, SIMILAR TO GIANT PANDAS
Red pandas feed mainly on bamboo using their opposable thumb. While their thumb-like appendages can be used in the same way as that of giant pandas, it is believed that the red panda’s opposable thumbs may have evolved as an adaptation for grasping branches in trees rather than for stripping bamboo. They also eat fruits, roots, succulent grasses, acorns, lichens, and even bird’s eggs, insects and small mammals.3. THEY ARE FOUND IN THE HIMALAYAS AND MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN OF THE EAST
Red pandas live in high-altitude forests of Nepal, India, Bhutan, Myanmar and China. They are mainly arboreal species, often living close to water sources and in densely bamboo covered areas.In the wild, there are two formally recognised subspecies of red panda. Although, recent studies suggest they might be two separate species. Ailurus fulgens fulgens, which is slightly smaller in size, is mostly found in Nepal, along with India, Myanmar and Bhutan. While Ailurus fulgens refulgens is primarily found in China.
(s)orgUK