Meet the Red Panda: A flagship species that plays a key role in conserving the Eastern Himalayan broadleaf forest, and listed by the IUCN as ENDANGERED as their populations have declined by as much as 50% in the last two decades.
Slightly larger than a domestic cat and built like a bear; with bushy tails, fur-lined paws, and sun-blocking red facial markings, the red panda is an iconic species worth saving.
Wild Facts:
- There are two subspecies of red panda (Ailurus fulgens fulgens and Ailurus fulgens styani), but neither are related to the giant panda.
- Red pandas have incredibly flexible ankles, because of which, they are some of the only animals to be able to climb down a tree head-first.
- Solitary creatures, red pandas only come together when breeding. They are arboreal in nature, spending most of their time in trees. At twilight, red pandas will feed on the ground, feasting on their favorite food: bamboo.
Threats to the Red Panda
While revered by locals and seen as a sign of good luck, red pandas are facing growing threats. Habitat loss led by population growth, overexploitation of resources, and climate change is contributing to declines in red panda populations.
Eastern Himalayas make up 50% of the red panda’s habitat, but 70% of this habitat is not protected and over 75% of Himalayan habitat has been destroyed or degraded. Rising temperatures and changes in rainfall patterns also puts the forests where red pandas live at risk of fire.
Red pandas are also sold as pets or killed for their fur, despite little demand.
Why They Matter
Only 10,000 red pandas remain in the wild. While a smaller species, the conservation of this species is equally as important. Saving the red panda’s habitat and combating climate change not only protects other species, but makes the planet healthier.
Conservation Works
When we make an effort to protect ENDANGERED species and restore key ecosystems we give the planet a chance at survival. One of the best ways to support the conservation of ENDANGERED species, like the red panda, is through charitable donations.
Want to be a friend to the red panda? Make a donation through VAKOVAKO to their conservation. 100% of your contributions go towards organizations working to save endangered species.
