Mammalia > Carnivora > Ursidae > Ailurus
Ailurus fulgens F. G. Cuvier, 1825 – Red Panda
Taxonomic Notes:
There are two subspecies recognized under this species, namely: Himalayan Red Panda A. f. fulgens and Styan's Red Panda A. f. styani. However, there are disputes over treating these as subspecies or as species. Previous name A. f. refulgens was used as another subspecies name for A. f. styani wrongly, which is now a nomen nudum (in other words this name A. f. refulgens does not exist). There are also taxonomic disputes over recognition and designating a separate family for Red Panda viz. Ailuridae, however, it remains uncertain until further molecular and morphological evidences are obtained.
This species is listed as Endangered in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (https://www.iucnredlist.org/).
This species is listed as Endangered in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (https://www.iucnredlist.org/).Ailurus fulgens – Red Panda
Juveniles:
Indian and global distribution:
records (based on images):
Identification:
Sexual, seasonal & individual variation:
Status, Habitat and Habits:
Himalayan Red Panda A. f. fulgens is distributed in the western part of the global distribution range i.e. Nepal, Bhutan, and India (assam and Sikkim), whereas A. f. styani is S. China and N. Myanmar. This species can be diurnal, crepuscular and nocturnal. It is territorial and fairly arboreal. Red Panda is herbivorous and mainly feed on bamboo and leaves and shoots of some other trees.
Conservation Status:
This species is listed as Endangered in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (https://www.iucnredlist.org/).
According to IUCN Red List assessment population of this species is decreasing. There are no appropriate estimates of its global populations, however, it is estimated to be between 50 and 450 individuals within Indian boundary of its global population. Threat to its survival come from habitat loss and fragmentation due to logging, timber and non-timber cultivation, agriculture, mining, residential and commercial activities. Hunting, trapping and occasional occurrence in pet trade has caused a serious damage to its population overall.
Himalayan Red Panda A. f. fulgens is distributed in the western part of the global distribution range i.e. Nepal, Bhutan, and India (assam and Sikkim), whereas A. f. styani is S. China and N. Myanmar. This species can be diurnal, crepuscular and nocturnal. It is territorial and fairly arboreal. Red Panda is herbivorous and mainly feed on bamboo and leaves and shoots of some other trees.
Conservation Status:
This species is listed as Endangered in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (https://www.iucnredlist.org/).According to IUCN Red List assessment population of this species is decreasing. There are no appropriate estimates of its global populations, however, it is estimated to be between 50 and 450 individuals within Indian boundary of its global population. Threat to its survival come from habitat loss and fragmentation due to logging, timber and non-timber cultivation, agriculture, mining, residential and commercial activities. Hunting, trapping and occasional occurrence in pet trade has caused a serious damage to its population overall.
References:
Mammalia > Carnivora > Ursidae > Ailurus
Cite this page along with its URL as:
Bayani, A. 2022. Ailurus fulgens F. G. Cuvier, 1825 – Red Panda. Ramachandran, V., A. Bayani, R. Chakravarty, P. Roy, and K. Kunte (editors). Mammals of India, v. 1.13. editors.
http://www.mammalsofindia.org/sp/389/Ailurus-fulgens
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