Red Panda

A red panda (Ailurus fulgens) is a small mammal native to the eastern Himalayas and southwestern China. It's often mistaken for a raccoon or a cat, but it's the only living species in its family, and it's known for its reddish-brown fur, bushy tail, and a cute, bear-like appearance.

The red panda has a reddish-brown body with a long, bushy, ringed tail that helps it balance while climbing. It has a fluffy face with white markings, and its front legs are a darker, almost black color. It has semi-retractable claws and a unique "false thumb," which is an extended wrist bone used to grip bamboo shoots.

Red pandas live in temperate forests with dense bamboo understories in the Himalayan mountains. They are arboreal, meaning they spend most of their time in trees. They are primarily herbivores, and their diet consists almost entirely of bamboo. They also eat fruits, acorns, eggs, and insects.

Red pandas are an endangered species. Their population is threatened by habitat loss due to deforestation, fragmentation, and human encroachment. They are also vulnerable to poaching and the illegal pet trade. Conservation efforts are focused on protecting their habitat and raising awareness about their plight.