Red Panda Facts

The red panda, also known as the lesser panda, is a small mammal native to the eastern Himalayas and southwestern China. It has dense reddish-brown fur, white-lined ears, a mostly white muzzle and a ringed tail. Its head-to-body length is 51–63.5 cm with a 28–48.5 cm tail, and it weighs between 3.2 and 15 kg.

Endangered Species

Red pandas are endangered and are legally protected in India, Bhutan, China, Nepal and Myanmar. Their primary threats are habitat loss and degradation, human interference and poaching. Researchers believe that the total population of red pandas has declined by 40 percent over the past two decades.

How You Can Help

You can get involved by spreading awareness, donating and fundraising, taking part in ecotourism, and working against the red panda trade. The WWF is also working to protect red pandas and their habitats.