The Red Panda Organization
This thread is dedicated to the conservation and support of a rare creature known as the Red Panda. This topic will consist of the discussion of the protection of this threatened species and what we can do to assist this little creature in its fight for survival. Other topics could consist of fundraising possibilites, all the way to its cuteness.
Below is some information on our furry little friend.
What is a Red Panda?
The Red Panda is a small mammal which grows to be only somewhat bigger than the domestic housecat.
Despite it's name, the Red Panda is of closer relation to a raccoon than it is to a Panda, the founding of its name due to it's food source; bamboo. Also, it possesses the same sort of wrist bone as the Giant Panda, which makes it even more adept to feast on its food of choice. However, it is basically classified in its own species due to the lack of any true link to other species. They also possess their own subspecies.
The metabolism and digestion of a Red Panda is much like that of an ordinary Giant Panda, in the fact that their bodies can not consume cellulose. This forces them to eat a great deal of bamboo, just so they can survive.
Their average lifespan is 8 to 10 years, though it has been known for them to survive longer. The genders are usually seperated, only coming together to mate.
They are territorial creatures, mostly awake at dusk and dawn, otherwise spotted sleeping in trees. If frightened, they will stand upon their hind legs in defense, should escape be out of reach.
They are quite adaptable to public living and there is a good deal of success in public breeding programs to revive the species, giving them some hope.
Where does this creature reside?
The Red Panda resides in the forests around the Himalayas, mostly in parts of Napal and Tibet. It prefers area with a constant moderate temperature and plenty of bamboo.
What are the main sources of its endangerment?
These beautiful creatures are often hunted by humans to harvest their fur for hats and other accessories. Their ears and tails are high selling items, which doom this creature.
The bamboo forests they live in are being cut down or invaded by domestic livestock, ridding them of their food source and eventually driving them to starvation.
Their birth rate consists of only one or two pups a year, making it incredibly difficult for them to raise their numbers.
What can we do to help?
Try to organize a local fund raiser. Find a Red Panda charity you would like to donate the money you raise to. If necessary, message them and get their permission to do so. I'm sure they would also be willing to provide further information you could relay to participants. Ex. Bake sales, Candy sales, etc.
Buy less bamboo-made items. Boycotting items that are made from the food source of these creatures is a slow and somewhat unproductive tactic, but it is one nonetheless. One less item bought is one less item sold for them which means less bamboo will need to be cut for their sales.
Outside Links:
Red Panda on Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_panda
The Red Panda Network: http://www.redpandanetwork.org/aboutus/advisory.php
This website offers a donation process, and an "adoption" method. Certain members participate in a hike around the forests where the Red Pandas reside near the Himilayas.
Feel free to offer/request more information as you see fit.
