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

The red panda’s taxonomic position has been under great debate because they are the only living members of the Ailuridae family. In the beginning, they were thought to belong to the raccoon family. This was based on the ecological characteristics and morphological similarities between the red panda and the North American raccoon. After DNA samples were compared, the red panda was assigned to the bear family . However, recent DNA analysis indicated that they belong to a family of their own.

 

Though they are both called “pandas”, the giant panda and the red panda are not related. They do, however, have morphological and dietary similarities. Both, red panda and giant panda, have false thumbs indicating that this adaptation was due to convergence evolution. Further analysis indicated that the giant panda developed this trait to aid its need to handle bamboo for consumption, but the red panda needed these false thumbs for arboreal locomotion. Also, they are both bamboo eaters with strong jaws, molars, and similar digestive system.