The Red Panda

The red panda (scientific name ailurus fulgens) is a species that inhabits the temperate forests of the Eastern Himalayas. It is slightly larger than a domestic cat, growing only 2 feet long. However, its body looks like a bear's, and its fur is thick and russet-colored, except for that which is on its limbs and stomach, which is black-colored, and that which is above its eyes and on the side of its head, which is white-colored. It uses its long, bushy tail to balance itself and to cover itself in the winter, most likely to stay warm. It is very skillful and acrobatic by nature, which serves it well in the trees it spends most of its time in. The "panda" part of its name points to its mostly herbivorous diet, as it is believed to have originated from the Nepali word "ponya", which means plant or bamboo eating animal.

The red panda is classified as an Endangered species. It is this close to becoming extinct for two reasons. The first reason is that the trees it lives in are being cut down for fuel. Because of this, one of the World Wildlife Fund's (WWF's) efforts to save it consists of providing the communities around its habitat with an alternative source of fuel. The second reason is that it is poached for its pelt in the parts of its habitat that are in China and Myanmar, as it can be made into a fur hat or cap. Because of this, another one of the WWF's efforts to save it consists of enforcing a harsh punishment on people who are found guilty of buying, selling, and/or killing it.

Source for picture and all information: https://www.worldwildlife.org/species/red-panda