The Red Panda, Ailurus fulgens ("shining cat," from a Latinized form of
the Greek, ailouros, "cat," and the participial form of the Latin
fulgere, "to shine") is a mostly herbivorous mammal, slightly larger
than a domestic cat (55 cm long). The Red Panda has semi-retractile
claws and, like the Giant Panda, has a "false thumb" which is really an
extension of the wrist bone. Thick fur on the soles of the feet offers
protection from cold and hides scent glands. The Red Panda is native to
the Himalayas in Nepal and southern China. The word panda is derived
from Nepalese word "ponya" which means bamboo and plants eating animals
in Nepal.
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