With its thick russet fur, bushy striped tail, and kitten-like face, the Red Panda(Ailurus fulgens) is one of the Himalayas’ cutest inhabitants. It was first described by a French zoologist in 1825 – 48 years before the Giant Panda was ever catalogued. Although sometimes referred to as “the Lesser Panda,” the Red Panda is actually “the first panda.”
Although often associated with bears and raccoons, Red Pandas are members of their very own taxonomic family(Ailuridae). Sadly, deforestation and poaching for pelts threaten the existence of this entirely unique species. Over half of the wild Red Panda population has been lost … Continue