International Red Panda Day – Red Panda Characteristics and Red Panda Conservation

International Red Panda Day (IRPD) is celebrated on the third Saturday of September every year. The Red Panda Network (RPN) started this day to raise awareness about Red Panda Conservation. Moreover, this day aims to educate people about the threats Red Pandas face, and the importance of preserving their habitats. In fact, the red panda is the original Panda. It is also called First Panda, Lesser Panda, and Firefox. The Firefox animal, or Lesser Panda, has unique characteristics. Red Panda Characteristics makes this an attractive animal.

Red Pandas were discovered approximately 50 years before the giant panda. There are two sub species of Red Panda Ailurus fulgens fulgens and Ailurus fulgens styani. Both species live in Eastern Asia, in high-altitude and temperate forests.

Interesting facts about the Giant panda Diet

History of International Red Panda Day

International Red Panda Day (IRPD) was first celebrated in 2010 by Red Panda Network. It is an organization dedicated to save red pandas and their habitat. This organization started its work in 2007 in the Panchthar, Ilam Taplejung (PIT) districts of eastern Nepal. Now, they are expanding their work for their conservation across the borders. The red panda was described and named by Frederic Cuvier in 1825.

Red Panda Characteristics

They belong to the genus Ailurus fulgens and the family Alluridae. They are small, tree-dwelling mammals native to the eastern Himalayas and southwestern China. However, they are closely related to raccoons, skunks, and weasels. Red panda Characteristics are as follows.

Red pandas are small, about slightly larger than domestic cat. They have a body length of 50–64 cm and a bushy tail that adds an extra 30–60 cm to their length. They have soft thick fur rich reddish brown above and black on the belly and legs. Moreover, they have white-lined ears with white muzzle. They have a fluffy ringed tail. These Pandas use their long, bushy tails to balance in trees and cover themselves in winter. Furthermore, they have round face, with a white mask-like marking and reddish “tear” marks extending from their eyes to the corner of their mouth. These markings have evolved to keep the sun out of their eyes.

Panda Birth first time in Zoo

The first Panda or Firefox animal has five curved digits on each foot, each with curved semi-retractile claws. They have flexible joints and adapt to an arboreal lifestyle. Moreover, they have hairs on the soles of their paws that allow them to walk in snow.  Furthermore, they have a modified wrist bone that functions like a “false thumb,” which helps them grip bamboo and other food items.

Distribution and Habitat of Red Pandas or Firefox Animal 

Red pandas are found in temperate forests in the foothills of the Himalayas, including Nepal, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, and China. Moreover, they thrive in high-altitude, cool climates with plenty of bamboo, a key part of their diet. They spend most of their time in trees, using their tails for balance and as protection from the cold.

Panda Birthday celebrated by children

Red Panda Conservation and Red Panda Day 

Red Pandas are listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List with fewer than 10,000 individuals remaining in the wild. They face numerous threats, including habitat destruction, poaching, and climate change. However, the Red Panda Network is dedicated to the wild Red Panda conservation and their habitat. The Red Panda Day also an initiative for Red Panda Conservation through awareness.

IUCN Categories and Red List 

Editor In Chief

Dr. Jassar Aftab is a qualified Veterinarian having expertise in veterinary communication. He is a renowned veterinary Journalist of Pakistan. He is veterinary columnist, veterinary writer and veterinary analyst. He is the author of three books. He has written a number of articles and columns on different topics related to livestock, dairy, poultry, wildlife, fisheries, food security and different aspects of animal sciences and veterinary education.

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