The most recent genetic research has classified the red pandas accordingly placing them into an independent family, which is the Ailuridae. Therefore, there is an extreme difference between the red pandas and raccoons. On the other hand, in deeper studies, researchers found out that red pandas evolved separately from their common ancestors with bears way back 40 million years ago. These studies showed that red pandas are relatively closer to the American raccoon. Some molecular phylogenetic studies showed that raccoons and red pandas were part of the same ancient species. Let’s look at some of the known studies about red pandas. Therefore, many studies were conducted to know the true origin of the red pandas. However, this was not agreed upon by many scientists and researchers. The basis of this classification is due to their similar physical characteristics (head, colored ringed-tail, and some other features). Here is a brief history from Wikipedia about the classification of the red pandas.Īt first, they were referred to as part of the raccoon family in 1825. The Classification History Of The Red Pandas Take Note: In 1825, 48 years before the black-and-white bear (giant panda) was categorized, a French zoologist Frédéric Cuvier first described the western red panda and proposed the scientific name Ailurus fulgens, which means fire-colored or shining cat. Kingdom Animalia Phylum Chordata Class Mammalia Order Carnivora Superfamily Musteloidea Family Ailuridae Scientific Name Ailurus fulgens Take a look at this table to fully understand the classification of the red pandas in the Taxonomy (study of classification). Thus, no more traces of this animal will be seen by the future generation. So, if they become extinct, the Ailuridae family will forever be gone. As mentioned earlier, they are the only living species of their family. The red pandas are from the family of Ailuridae. Color reddish-brown reddish-orange grayish-brown Type of Eaters herbivores omnivores omnivores Natural Habitat rainforest areas forested areas woodland areas What Animal Category Is A Red Panda? Photo Source: Shutterstock Categories Red Panda Fox Raccoon Length 30-46 inches 36-42 inches 24-38 inches Weight 10-20 lbs. Here is a table that shows a comparison of their physical and ecological aspects. Another thing is the close similarity in their body sizes and ecology. However, the color of their fur is way closer to those of the foxes. If you will take a closer look at the physical appearance of the red pandas, you can think that they quite resemble raccoons. Perhaps, what makes people think they are half foxes is because of their looks and size. As mentioned earlier, they are the only existing species in their animal family. No, a red panda is not a half fox animal they are who they are. Well, there is so much to learn in this article about the cute red pandas. Now that you know that they are neither bear nor fox, you may also want to know if they are half-breed animals like half foxes or half bears physically and taxonomically. If we refer to Taxonomy, they are the only existing species in their animal family no bears nor foxes. They came from the species Ailuridae, which are not related to the family of the bears or the foxes. The quick answer is red panda is neither a bear nor a fox. As such, both types of pandas are endangered.Did you know that a red panda is also known as a fox bear? Well, if you look at its round and cute face, you can say that it looks like a bear, but if you consider its size, it is closer to the fox. Deforestation for wood and land clearance for farming have also threatened pandas. Hunters have killed both for their unique coats and for meat. Humans have encroached on their habitats. Birds of prey and small carnivores, however, do prey on baby red pandas.įor both giant and red pandas, the most dangerous predators are humans. Because of this and the altitude of their habitat, adult red pandas only have a few natural predators. Their coat allows them to blend into their surroundings. Red pandas are only 47 inches long and weigh between seven and 14 pounds. However, panda cubs are basically helpless until they’re one year old, at which time even large birds of prey may hunt them. Because of their size and the uniqueness of their habitat, adult giant pandas have few natural predators. They primarily eat bamboo, so their habitat is the bamboo thickets in the mountainous regions of southwest China. The giant panda is black and white and can grow up to 6.25 feet and 280 pounds. There are two types of panda bears: the giant panda and the red panda.
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