Population Growth
The current red panda population is less than 10 000 individuals. This population has been decreasing for over many years. In 1994, the population was estimated to be between 13,000-16,000 individuals (Association of Zoos and Aquariums, 2012).
Limiting factors that have contributed to the decline in population of the red pandas include:
There are several human factors that also contribute to population loss, such as inbreeding depression and fragmentation poaching. Many red panda groups are becoming isolated from the genetic pool which may also be causing a change in overall population. The main source of food for the red pandas is that of bamboo, berries, insects and small mice and birds. This may also contribute to the decline because once they finish their supply of food in one region they need to move to another location where their needs can be met and sustained.
The species need to live in an area plentiful in forest land and nearby to water sources. The prefered habitat for the red pandas is in an area where there are slopes and tree stumps, but their desired habitat is becoming more difficult to find. This is another factor which adds to the decline in their population (iucnredlist.org).
Over the next five years, it is expected that the red panda population will continue to decrease. However, this excludes that of zoo populations, which are expected to increase the overall population.
Limiting factors that have contributed to the decline in population of the red pandas include:
- The deforestation of the red pandas' habitat.
- loss of essential resources in an ecosystem (food, water, habitat/shelter, etc.).
- population of predators (snow leopard, yellow-throated martens, etc.).
- deforestation of sustainable habitat.
There are several human factors that also contribute to population loss, such as inbreeding depression and fragmentation poaching. Many red panda groups are becoming isolated from the genetic pool which may also be causing a change in overall population. The main source of food for the red pandas is that of bamboo, berries, insects and small mice and birds. This may also contribute to the decline because once they finish their supply of food in one region they need to move to another location where their needs can be met and sustained.
The species need to live in an area plentiful in forest land and nearby to water sources. The prefered habitat for the red pandas is in an area where there are slopes and tree stumps, but their desired habitat is becoming more difficult to find. This is another factor which adds to the decline in their population (iucnredlist.org).
Over the next five years, it is expected that the red panda population will continue to decrease. However, this excludes that of zoo populations, which are expected to increase the overall population.
Reproduction
Red panda interaction usually only occurs when mating. Breeding season is from January to March, and cubs are usually born between May and July. Red panda cubs are raised and cared for solely by their mother as the males do not participate in the raising of their cubs. Red panda cubs are blind at birth and rely completely on their mother for survival. They open their eyes approximately three weeks after birth. One litter can have between one to three cubs. The red panda makes its first hunting trip during the night after about ninety days. They become sexually mature at around one year of age and therefore stay with their mothers for about one year. The biggest threat to red panda cubs is the predator the yellow-throated marten. In the wild the lifespan of the red panda is unknown, however, in captivity the average lifespan of the red panda is around fourteen years (https://animalcorner.co.uk/animals/red-panda/).
Red panda interaction usually only occurs when mating. Breeding season is from January to March, and cubs are usually born between May and July. Red panda cubs are raised and cared for solely by their mother as the males do not participate in the raising of their cubs. Red panda cubs are blind at birth and rely completely on their mother for survival. They open their eyes approximately three weeks after birth. One litter can have between one to three cubs. The red panda makes its first hunting trip during the night after about ninety days. They become sexually mature at around one year of age and therefore stay with their mothers for about one year. The biggest threat to red panda cubs is the predator the yellow-throated marten. In the wild the lifespan of the red panda is unknown, however, in captivity the average lifespan of the red panda is around fourteen years (https://animalcorner.co.uk/animals/red-panda/).