Lesser Panda: A Unique Species of the Himalayas

Summary

The name ‘panda’ is derived from the Nepali term 'nigalya ponya,' which means ‘one who eats bamboo.’

Scientific Classification

Scientific Name: Ailurus fulgens
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Carnivora
Family: Ailuridae
Genus: Ailurus
Conservation Status: Endangered (EN) on the IUCN Red List, listed under CITES Appendix I

Physical Characteristics

Size: 51-63.5 cm
Weight: 3-6 kg
Lifespan: 8-10 years

Diet

The lesser panda is omnivorous, feeding primarily on bamboo, acorns, lichens, roots of plants, and occasionally small birds and bird eggs.

Predators

Natural predators include the snow leopard and martens.

Activity

The species is nocturnal, being most active at night.

Habitat

Lesser pandas are found in steep mountain slopes covered with rhododendrons, oaks, and bamboo. They prefer elevations between 1,400 and 1,800 meters.

Distribution

They inhabit the southwestern Himalayas, parts of Myanmar, and China.

Characteristics

Lesser pandas have a mostly white face, with dark spots around their eyes. Their face is round and flat, with a short muzzle and large, pointed ears. Their tail features a distinctive ringed pattern. The upper body is a rusty-red or brown color, while the central portion of their body is much darker. They have sharp claws that can be partially retracted depending on the situation.

Their coat is thick and brightly colored, with long outer fur and dense underfur, allowing them to tolerate cold temperatures. Females have four teats.

Typically solitary, they groom themselves using their tongues after waking up or eating. They spend the day resting in trees and only come down to forage at night. Delayed implantation is common in this species, especially in colder regions, lengthening their pregnancy.

Unique Traits

False Thumb: Both the giant panda and the lesser panda have an extra ‘thumb,’ which is actually a modified wrist bone. This feature helps them grip bamboo and strip its leaves. The false thumb extends towards the inner wrist, allowing better dexterity.

Cold Weather Adaptation: During cold weather, lesser pandas curl up tightly, tucking their heads under their hind legs to conserve heat. When it’s warm, they stretch out their limbs and relax on tree branches.

Territorial Behavior: They mark their territory with urine and secretions from glands located near the anus, smearing them on rocks and trees. Lesser pandas also have glands on their footpads, which leave marks unintentionally as they walk. When encountering unfamiliar objects or smells, they investigate persistently with their tongue or nose.

Docile Nature: Lesser pandas are known for their calm demeanor. Even when captured, they rarely scratch or vocalize in distress. When excited, they stand on their hind legs, hiss, and may release a musky scent from their anal glands.