Category:Photographs by Anil Öztas/Ailurus fulgens

The red panda (Ailurus fulgens), also known as the lesser panda or cat bear, is a fascinating and charismatic mammal native to the mountainous regions of the Himalayas and some adjacent areas in China, Nepal, Bhutan and India. The red panda is a rather small member of the bear family and differs from other bear species in both appearance and behaviour. It has soft, dense fur that is mostly reddish-brown with characteristic white facial markings that give it a mask-like expression. The long, sleek tail stripes of white and reddish-brown make it distinctive. The red panda's diet consists mainly of bamboo leaves and shoots, although they occasionally eat fruits, berries, insects and small vertebrates. This adaptation to a bamboo diet is similar to that of giant pandas and shows how they have adapted to their natural habitats. The red panda is a mainly nocturnal and arboreal animal. With its dexterous paws and semi-retractile claws, it is a skilled climber and can easily navigate between trees. This ability protects it from natural predators and allows it to find food and shelter in the treetops. The species is classified as endangered, mainly due to habitat loss and poaching. Their habitat is threatened by deforestation, human settlements and climate change. They are also often victims of illegal trade, as they are sought after as exotic pets.