An Introduction
The red panda was officially announced a species in 1848. It was first published and received by Frederic Cuvier.
The red panda, is a species native to the Eastern Himalayas and Southwestern China. The average lifespan of the red panda is 8 to 10 years in the wild, and up to 14 in captivity. This species, also known as Firefox, Red Bear-cat, Red Cat-bear and lesser panda. The last name is a tribute to the more well known giant panda. However, this species was discovered and described at least 50 years before its famous namesake was even recorded! The origin of the name red panda came from Frederic Cuvier. Ailurus came from the Greek word ailouros (meaning cat) and fulgens (meaning fire-coloured/shining. The first part was named for the red pandas cat-like appearance, and the second for its russet coloured fur. |
MASS, SIZE AND APPEARANCE
Red Pandas are usually 78-123 cm in length. The females of the species often weigh 3kg to 6kg, while the males weigh 3.2 kg to 6.2 kg. Red Pandas are around the size of the average house cat, with a body that resembles a bear. Most of the Red Panda's fur is russet, while the belly, arms and legs are black. The fur is white on the side of its head and on top of its small eyes. |