Ailuridae

Red pandas are the only species within the family Ailuridae. This chapter describes two species: Ailurus fulgens and Ailurus styani . Free-ranging red panda numbers are declining and maintaining a healthy and genetically diverse population of red pandas within zoological institutions is important for their conservation. The red panda pectoral girdle and thoracic limb joint characteristics allow for high flexibility in climbing and foraging in tall, dense forests. Despite a herbivorous diet, red pandas have a short and simple gastrointestinal tract with a single-chambered stomach and no cecum. Abdominal imaging procurement is similar to other similar sized carnivores. Incidental renal cortical cysts on ultrsound or other imaging modalities are a common finding in red pandas. Female red panda reproductive physiology can be complex and is not yet fully understood. Females can experience pseudopregnancies.