A Rare Red Panda Found in Mount Emei, Sichuan, China Exhibits Fascinating Behaviors.
Located in the southwestern part of Sichuan Province, Mount Emei is situated at the edge of the Sichuan Basin, known for its stunning scenery and steep terrain. Mount Emei has a complex geological structure and is a confluence of various natural factors, shrouded in mist year-round with abundant rainfall, preserving a complete subtropical vegetation system and a highly favorable natural environment.
Mount Emei is also home to many rare animal species, with a rich natural environment that supports a large number of wildlife. Over 2,300 animal species have been confirmed in the area, including 29 species that are nationally protected. Among them is a small, rare, and adorable animal that resides in Mount Emei – the red panda.
The red panda is listed as a vulnerable species in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, with an estimated wild population of fewer than 10,000 mature individuals, which continues to decline due to habitat loss and fragmentation, poaching, and reduced genetic diversity.
The red panda looks somewhat like a giant panda but is overall much cuter, especially with its attractive reddish-brown fur.
With a reddish-brown body and white patches on its cheeks, it resembles a chubby cat.
In terms of classification, the red panda has been a subject of debate since its discovery. Initially, it was considered a type of panda based on its external characteristics and was classified under the panda family.
Over different periods, it was classified under the panda subfamily and later mentioned under the bear family, until advancements in taxonomy led to its recognition as an independent family, namely the red panda.
The red panda is a species that prefers warm and humid temperatures.
Recent DNA technology has also confirmed that the classification of the red panda as a distinct family is accurate, placing it in the superfamily Mustelidae along with the panda family and weasel family. Therefore, it is correct to say that the red panda is different from the giant panda; essentially, it is not a bear but a type of weasel.
The red panda is a very cute animal, with its fur primarily reddish-brown and relatively thick, while its belly is covered in black-brown fur. The face features white spots, which are characteristics that only adult red pandas have; newborn red pandas do not have facial spots, which develop and increase in size after about two months.
An adult red panda is roughly the size of a chubby cat, weighing about 5 kg and measuring 40-63 cm in body length. There are no noticeable differences in appearance between males and females.
They prefer to sleep in dens, tree hollows, or rock crevices.
The red panda is a species that thrives in warm and humid conditions, typically living in a temperate climate at altitudes of 2,500-4,000 meters and is a forest-dwelling species. They enjoy sleeping in dens, tree hollows, or rock crevices during the day and forage in the morning and evening. Their sleeping position is also very adorable; they like to curl their heads into their limbs, then use their front paws to hug their heads and cover themselves with their tails.
For the red panda, bamboo and leaves are their main food sources, but they also eat berries, bird eggs, flowers, moss, insects, and other small animals, especially enjoying sweet foods.
Red pandas are very clean animals; after a satisfying meal, they will rub their paws against their mouths and faces, lick and clean the edges of their mouths, and even have a designated spot for their bathroom needs.
After finishing their meals, one of the red panda’s favorite activities is to bask in the sun on a sunny rock face or the top of a tree.
The red panda claps its paws when scared and raises its hands to intimidate others.
It is not surprising to find red pandas in Mount Emei. Since early April 2022, an infrared camera set up in the Jinding area of the scenic spot captured images of red pandas. However, what is particularly interesting is the behaviors and habits of the red panda.
In fact, looking at the cute appearance of the red panda, one can tell that it is not a fighter. Therefore, when frightened or confronted by a predator, they first arch their backs and curl their tails, slowly raise their heads while emitting low huffing sounds, then clap their paws, shake their heads side to side, and finally raise their front paws above their heads while staring at the opponent.
This entire action is meant to display a strong and intimidating fighting posture, making the red panda appear larger. This can genuinely scare off some timid predators.
