Dr. Wikipedia tells us that “Ailuridae is a family in the mammal order Carnivora.
“The family consists of the red panda (the sole living representative) and its extinct relatives.
“…Molecular phylogenetic studies had shown that, as an ancient species in the order Carnivora, the red panda is relatively close to the American raccoon and may be either a monotypic family or a subfamily within the procyonid family.[1][3][4]
“An in-depth mitochondrial DNA population analysis study stated: “According to the fossil record, the Red Panda diverged from its common ancestor with bears about 40 million years ago.”[1][5]
“With this divergence, by comparing the sequence difference between the red panda and the raccoon, the observed mutation rate…
“This underestimation is probably due to multiple recurrent mutations as the divergence between the red panda and the raccoon is extremely deep.[citation needed]
The most recent molecular-systematic DNA research places the red panda into its own independent family, Ailuridae…”
Actually it’s pretty relaxing to experience an hour of red pandas eating crunchy snacks!
What Wikipedia doesn’t mention (because it’s so obvious) is that red pandas are adorable!
They also are carnivores, wild animals, and red pandas live in some very scenic places:
More information:
- IUCN Red List status: Endangered
- Animal Diversity Web page
- San Diego Zoo page
Flight To Wonder 