The Red Panda, also called the Firefox or Lesser Panda (Latin name: Ailurus fulgens, "shining cat"), is a mostly herbivorous mammal, specialized as a bamboo feeder. It is slightly larger than a domestic cat.
The Red Panda is endemic to the Himalayas, ranging from Nepal in the west to China in the east. It is also found in northern India, Bhutan and northern Myanmar.[2] There is an estimated population of fewer than 2,500 mature individuals. Their population continues to decline due to habitat fragmentation.[3]
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Phylogenetics
Recent molecular-systematic DNA research places the Red Panda into its own independent family Ailuridae. Ailuridae are in turn part of a trichotomy within the broad superfamily Musteloidea (Flynn et al., 2001) that also includes the Mephitidae (skunks) and the Procyonidae (raccoons) + Mustelidae (weasels). Unlike the Giant Panda, it is not a bear (Ursidae).[5]
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_Panda
2 comments:
I wasn't aware that the red panda had found a home among the Mustelids though they certainly have a mink-like look about them.
Ah, the marvels of DNA phylogeny!!!
Yes, I bet it makes it all a good bit easier (or more complicated, lol!)
You *are* my sweet scientist. . . .
HugZ!!
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