In the Wild:
The red panda is specialized as a bamboo feeder with strong, curved and sharp semi-retractile claws. Like the giant panda, it has a “false thumb” that is an extension of the wrist bone. When descending a tree headfirst, the red panda rotates its ankle to control its descent. It is a territorial animal, which is generally solitary except during mating season. The species is also generally quiet except for some twittering, tweeting, and whistling communication sounds.
Conservation Status:
Wild population is less than 10,000 individuals and decreasing. Threats include: being taken from the wild, competition with domestic livestock and deforestation resulting in habitat loss or fragmentation.