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 have large round heads and short snouts with large pointed ears. It’s assumed that features could have possibly been adapted from a common ancestor of the Giant Panda even though the Giant and Red Panda are not closely related but share similar traits.

 

The red pandas share a similar thumb adaptation with the giant pandas, a radial sesamoid bone, which is a modified wrist bone and is used to help grasp bamboo when eating. Sharing this adaptation implies a possible convergence between the two animals. Their wrist bones are quite large and found on their forepaws. They are often referred to as a sixth digit or thumb. Their opposable thumb helps aid them to grip objects especially when it comes to handling bamboo for feeding and moving between trees with ease. The radial sesamoid is not seen as an independent digit, but as a whole hand with fingers that is able to hold objects between its digits. This gives them the dexterity to grab bamboo, strip it of its leaves, and bring the food to their mouths.

 

They also have large tails to help maintain balance, especially when they prefer to sit on their hind legs to prop themselves when standing. By doing so, this helps prop themselves up without falling over. Their tails also help to keep them warm in the winter time by wrapping it around their own bodies when sleeping. The dense fur coat that covers their bodies, including on the bottoms of their feet, helps trap warmth and most importantly prevent them from slipping on branches.

 

Having a small body mass allows them to walk on thin branches without falling off. Also, the fact that they weigh about 8-14 pounds helps to hide from predators since they can maneuver easier in trees when hiding.

 

Red pandas have semi-retractable claws, which allow them to be super-efficient climbers. Because of having sharp claws, the pandas are strong climbers. When they descend down trees they crawl down head first and use their hind feet for controlled mobility while its hind claws grasp the tree trunk firmly. By using their claws and going head first gives them the advantage to leave the tree much quicker and prepares them a safe and fast landing once they reach the ground; these features are handy especially if a predator lurks nearby.