Red Pandas - Description
Both Red Pandas and Giant Pandas are one of the most misunderstood animals on our planet. They were believed to be a type of raccoon and only in the 20th century did genetic testing reveal that they are in fact bears. It has been proposed that the Red Panda be given its own family, the Ailuridae. The physical appearance of Red Pandas resembles that of a procyonid rather than of a bear. Red Pandas are about 42 inches long with length of the tail measuring 28-50 cm. Red Pandas weigh 3.5 to 6.5 kg. They have a long furry tail. The front legs of Red Pandas are angled inwards and the feet are plantigrade, which produces an animal walk like waddling that is typical of all bears. There is no sexual dimorphism between male and female Red Pandas.
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Picture courtesy of
Woodland Park Zoo © 2003
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The Red Panda is named after the fiery color of the coat that serves as a camouflage to blend in with the lichen of fir trees of China. The fur of these animals is rather long and varies from bright red to dark brown; the legs are black and the feet are white. The face is white with brown marks under the eyes. The tail is marked with alternating red and buff rings. The coat of Red Pandas is coarse and the undercoat is soft and dense, protecting the animal from the damp and cold climate.
Red Pandas - Zoo Links
Animal Profiles. Red Panda - Read about the Red Pandas kept at Knoxville Zoological Gardens in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Animals of the Oregon Zoo - Read about Red Pandas and many other animals kept in captivity.
Cutest Animal In The Zoo - Read about two rare Red Pandas that arrived in Canberra Zoo.
Cyberzoo Red Panda - Zoo observations of Red Pandas and their adaptations to captive lifestyle.
Marwell Zoological Park - Read about the pandas living in the park and how they are protected and bred in captivity. Contains many photos.
Nashville Zoo. Red Panda - Nashville Zoo is the proud home of one of the most genetically significant Red Pandas in captivity.
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Picture courtesy of
Travelmaniac Photography © 1998
Karen L. French
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Pueblo Zoo Animals - Presents information on reproduction, habitat and distribution of these animals.
Red Pandas in Captivity - Read about how these animals are kept in zoos and bred.
Wild Animal Park - This park located in the UK invites the visitors to see a great number of animals and birds.
Red Pandas - General Info Links
Animal Diversity. Red Pandas - Physical description and life cycle of these animals. Contains many photos.
Animal Fact Sheets. Panda - Natural history and basic facts concerning problems of taxonomy of this species.
Animal Info - Red Panda - Presents data on biology, ecology, evolution and conservation status of Red Pandas.
Animals of Bhutan - Tips on how to identify this species and where can it be watched.
Enchanted Learning. Red Panda - Offers printouts and general information on various species.
Lesser Panda - A very informative site containing detailed information and many photos of Red Pandas in the wild. Site in German.
Lesser Panda (Red Panda) - Taxonomy, description, habitat, diet and conservation status of these animals are presented.
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Picture courtesy of
Red Panda House © 2003
Robert Ireton
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Mammal Factsheet. Panda - A short article about these animals and their habitat.
Red Panda - Quick facts and vital statistics on this animal.
Red Panda House - What is a Red Panda? Read basic information concerning these animals.
Red Panda, Lesser Panda - Basic facts about natural history of these animals.
Whose Toes are Those? Red Panda - An article for children teaching to identify this animal.
