R E D  P A N D A S, A i l u r u s  f u l g e n s

Red pandas breeding seasons depend on their location. In the northern hemisphere red pandas breed between January through March and in the southern hemisphere they breed between June through August. The gestation period of an impregnated female averages between 114 to 145 days, but can take more or fewer days. The average litter size ranges between one to four cubs and are born in late spring to summer seasons.

 

Red pandas are known to mate on the ground in early winter; the following spring and summer, females give birth inside hollow tree nest cavities. Males like to occupy territories when mating season comes around. Both sexes will mark trees, logs, bushes with urine or anal secretions to call dibs on their prospective spots.

 

In captivity red pandas face a different form of mating. The females are confronted with three different husbandry conditions: monogamy. polygamy, and polyandry. Studies indicated that females in a polyandry group did not succeed in bearing young.