Red pandas are fascinating creatures often mistaken for raccoons or even small bears. They feature reddish-brown fur and bushy ringed tails. Sadly, they are classified as endangered due to habitat loss, poaching, and climate change.
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Here Are Some Unbelievable Facts About Red Pandas:
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Red Pandas vs Giant Pandas
Red pandas are not closely related to giant pandas. They belong to their own unique family, Ailuridae. Red pandas were discovered in 1825, well before giant pandas were identified in 1869.
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They Have a Thumb
Red pandas primarily feed on bamboo, using a thumb-like extension to help them grip the stalks.
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They are found in the Himalayas
Red pandas inhabit high-altitude forests across Nepal, India, Bhutan, Myanmar, and China. They are primarily arboreal, favouring areas near water sources and dense bamboo growth.
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Red Pandas are Nocturnal
In the wild, red pandas lead a mostly solitary and nocturnal life. They are most active during twilight and the early morning hours.
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Their Numbers are Declining
Red pandas are currently classified as an endangered species by the IUCN, with wild populations estimated to be fewer than 10,000 individuals.