Red panda discovered not only a single species

A comprehensive genetic study published today February 26 in the journal Science Advances shows that red pandas exist two separate species.

Red pandas (Ailurus) live mainly inside the alpine forests of the Himalayas. Scientists had previously thought that this mammalian genus had only one surviving member, A. fulgens. However, new research led by biologist Yibo Hu from the Chinese Academy of Sciences has shown differences in the DNA of two different populations of red pandas.

The team named two species: Chinese red panda and Himalayan red panda . The first species was found in northern Myanmar, eastern Tibet and the two provinces of Sichuan and Yunnan in southwest China; while the Himalayan red panda lives in southern Tibet, Nepal, India and Bhutan.

Chinese red panda (left) and Himalayan red panda.(Photo: BBC).

The recognition of the existence of two separate species is important in efforts to conserve red pandas, endangered animals according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Experts estimate that fewer than 10,000 live in the natural environment and the number tends to decrease sharply due to habitat loss and disease outbreak.

"To preserve the genetic originality, we should avoid having two species mate, which can harm the established genetic adaptation to their habitat , " explained Yibo Hu.

Besides DNA, the two species also differ in some physical characteristics. The Chinese red panda is described as having a redder face, less white and has darker tail stripes than its cousin. In terms of population size, Chinese red pandas also have greater numbers and more genetic diversity.

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