Meet the Red Panda, one of the most adorable animals in the world! The red panda is a small arboreal mammal native to the eastern Himalayas and southwestern China. These elusive creatures are endangered mainly due to habitat loss. So why is it that scientists have been working to protect this endangered creature for so long?
What Makes Them So Special.
The Red Panda is unique to the bamboo forests of southwest China. Adult red pandas are typically between 8 and 17 pounds (3.6 and 7.7 kilograms) in weight, yet they can reach lengths of 22 to 24.6 inches (56 to 62.5 centimeters). Their tail is 14.6 to 18.6 inches long. They live low to the ground, eating only insects, spiders, and other small animals. Red pandas have evolved as skillful climbers and they use trees for a number of different purposes: to escape predators, get shelter, and sunbathe in the winter. Unlike other animals with four legs that are rigid from knee to ankle, their fibula and tibia are attached in such a way that they can rotate about their axis. The branches serve as camouflage, to help the Pandas blend in amongst the tall, spindly trees. The pandas also spend much of their time in short bursts, snoozing over the branches. They rest wherever there’s still shade. During the day, they forage for food. Their favorite food is the leaf-eating caterpillar. Despite their activities, they remain relatively quiet and elusive. They use their small size and echolocation to stay out of sight. Their diet also provides them with critical nutrients that the pandas so desperately need: bamboo shoots, which provide the pandas with calories and cabbage leaves which provide them with essential vitamins and minerals.
Why are they endangered?
Something we should all be concerned about is the rapid decline in red panda population over the last two decades. The total population has declined by 40% and it is likely that this trend will continue in the coming years. These animals are amongst the most threatened on the planet. Primarily due to habitat loss, poaching and human interference. The increased human population and encroachment on wildlife habitats has led to a decrease in the red panda’s living space. There are several threats that humans have introduced into their habitats such as livestock, agriculture and dogs which make it difficult for them to thrive. The livestock and pandas compete for bamboo leaves because their habitats are dwindling. The loss of habitat also reduces the food supply, leading to a decline in population and competition for resources. Domestic dogs can hunt or transmit disease, such as canine distemper to the red pandas. This has led to low populations of the endangered species and impacts their chances for survival. There are several compounding factors to the rapidly declining number of red pandas in the wild. These include climate change, natural disasters, inadequate enforcement of laws and regulations, and limited investment in red panda conservation.
How can we help the red panda?
There are a number of ways you can make a real difference in protecting this beautiful endangered animal. One easy way is to donate your time or money to organizations that research better ways to protect and care for this animal and other endangered species. Practice sustainable tourism this holiday season by being environmentally conscious. Support, visit, and volunteer with groups that protect wildlife. Avoid buying products made from animals, which could support poaching and the illegal wildlife trade. Together we can make an impact and help ensure the survival of this unique creature.