What it is
The red panda (Ailurus fulgens) is a cat sized tree dwelling mammal with rusty red fur, a white face with reddish tear marks and a long ringed tail. In spite of its name it is no close relative of the giant panda. It feeds mostly on bamboo leaves. The International Union for Conservation of Nature lists it as Endangered.
Range
Mountain forests with bamboo in Nepal, India, Bhutan, Myanmar and southwestern China.
What happened
It spends most of its life in trees and in cold weather sleeps curled up with its tail wrapped round its body. Bamboo gives little energy, so it moves slowly and rests for much of the day.
When / status
Endangered now, as its forests shrink and split.
Human role
Forest loss and breakup, poaching and capture for the pet trade threaten it.