Red panda

The red panda is a small mammal from Asia. It is resilient and is not afraid of the cold. Its semi-retractile claws enable it to climb trees. Its Chinese name translates as “small panda”. According to one theory, the word “panda” is an Anglicism of “poonya”, meaning “bamboo eater” in Nepalese. Although the red panda is classified as a carnivore, it mainly eats large quantities of bamboo.

Red pandas are found in bamboo forests in the Himalayan mountain range.

The red panda is a solitary animal and only lives in pairs during the reproduction season. Its offspring remain with their mother until the age of one. This panda marks its territory using its anal glands. It communicates with screeches and whistles. Although it can be active at any time of the day, it is particularly active at dusk, and is at its busiest in the middle of the day and around 11 PM.

• 
  Habitat

  Himalayas (Tibet, Nepal), northern Myanmar, Chinese provinces: bamboo forest.
• Food

  Omnivorous with vegetarian tendencies: bamboo, fruit, roots, acorns, lichen, eggs and vertebrates.

Did you know ?

On average, the red panda is only awake for around 56% percent of the day. This is probably a response to its diet, which is low in energy.