Ecology of the red panda Ailurus fulgens in the Wolong Reserve, China

Publication Type:Journal Article
Year of Publication:1991
Authors:Reid, DG, Jinchu, H, Yan, H
Journal:Journal of Zoology
Volume:225
Date Published:1991
Keywords:Ailurus fulgens
Abstract:

Leaves of montane bamboo were the most common food in all months (93.7% of droppings), supplemented in spring with bamboo shoots, and in late summer with arboreal fruits. Home-range estimates for one adult female (94 ha) and one adult male (111 ha) most closely approximated allometrically-predicted range size for omnivores. Pandas were active 45-49% of the time, with highest levels in April and, for the female, in summer when lactating. Activity was higher in daylight than at night, especially in summer, coincident with arboreal foraging. The hypothesis that pandas rest in direct sunlight in winter to minimize heat loss while reducing peripheral circulation, was inferentially supported. Anatomy, diet and low metabolic rate suggest an arboreal folivorous lineage incorporating terrestrial foraging to capitalize on a super-abundant food resource - bamboo. Energy content of the annual recruitment of bamboo leaves within home ranges was substantially greater than annual energy requirements predicted allometrically. Gross food availability was not limiting, but may have been so in unoccupied habitats with a lower bamboo density following the bamboo die-back. Maternity den trees are probably a limiting resource in clearcut and deciduous forest habitats.

Taxonomic name: 
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Scratchpads developed and conceived by (alphabetical): Ed Baker, Katherine Bouton Alice Heaton Dimitris Koureas, Laurence Livermore, Dave Roberts, Simon Rycroft, Ben Scott, Vince Smith