According to a recent study, based on sequencing of the whole genomes of 65 red pandas, there are two separate species of red panda: the Chinese red panda (Ailurus styani) and the Himalayan red panda (Ailurus fulgens). The Yalu Zangbu River most likely marks the geographical boundary separating the two species, not the Nujiang river as previously believed.
Features
- Till now these groups were classified as subspecies based on the pandas’ physical characteristics and locations.
- Yibo Hu at the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Beijing and his colleagues sequenced the whole genomes of 65 red pandas by extracting DNA from blood, muscle and skin samples taken from museum specimens and red pandas in captivity.
- According to the researchers, Chinese red pandas are found in northern Myanmar as well as south-eastern Tibet, Sichuan and Yunnan provinces in China, while Himalayan red pandas are native to Nepal, India, Bhutan and southern Tibet in China.
- Being two different species means conservation action plans can be specific to the two different species needs and requirements.
- The Himalayan red panda is the scarcer of the two and needs urgent protection because of low genetic diversity and small population size.
- The Himalayan red panda has more white on the face, while the face coat color of the Chinese red panda is redder with less white on it. The tail rings of the Chinese red panda are more distinct than those of the Himalayan red panda, with the dark rings being more dark red and the pale rings being more whitish.
About red pandas
- The red panda (Ailurus fulgens) was initially considered a relative of the raccoon because of features such as its ringed tail, and then thought to be related to bears.
- The small mammals resemble bears but are in a genus of their own known as Ailurinae.
- Lives in trees and mainly eat bamboo, using sharp, curved claws to grip the stems.
