Classification of the Red Panda (Ailurus fulgens)...
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The classification of the red panda has had scientists scratching their heads for years. They have flip flopped the red panda from the raccoon family (Procyonidae), to the bear family (Ursidae). The reason for such indecisiveness is because the red panda shares multiple characteristics with both the raccoon and the more famous giant panda, a specific species from the bear family. Like the giant panda, the red panda shares the same skull and tooth structure, along with the same habitat and diet choices. The giant panda prefers to live in higher elevations, along with red panda. Both the giant panda and red panda, prefer the diet of bamboo and other fruits. However the raccoon also shares characteristics with the red panda. Physical characteristics such as thick fur, and ringed tail, masked face, and pointed ears. So, because of this confusion the red panda has been currently placed in its own family (Ailurdae).
The red panda is also known by many names such as the Lesser Panda, the Red Cat-Bear, and also the Fire Fox in Nepal.
The red panda, like said before, relies on bamboo for food, and with the rapid deforestation, the red panda is now also classified as an endangered species. In fact, they are extinct in some places, and in others their population is rapidly descreasing.
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Carnivo Suborder: Caniformia
Infraorder: Arctoidea
Superfamily: Musteloidea
Family: Ailuridae
Genus: Ailurus
Species: A. fulgens
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Carnivo Suborder: Caniformia
Infraorder: Arctoidea
Superfamily: Musteloidea
Family: Ailuridae
Genus: Ailurus
Species: A. fulgens