What Are the Different Types of Pandas?
There are two types of pandas in the world: giant pandas and red pandas. Both types are considered endangered species. The giant panda is the more common of the two species.
Giant pandas are typically black and white, as is often seen in product labels and commercials. They give birth once a year, and their cubs weigh around 0.3 pounds at birth. The cubs are blind at birth and have entirely white fur that develops black stripes a month later. They’re nursed for about six months, getting fully weaned by nine months. At 1 1/2 years old, the cub goes to live on its own, maturing at between 5 and 7 years old.
Adult giant pandas often live for 25 years and never hibernate. They can weigh an astonishing 350 pounds and stand between 3 1/2 and 5 feet tall. They lead a solitary life.
The red panda is also called the lesser panda and looks more like a raccoon. It’s reddish brown in color and much smaller than its cousin. It weighs between 6 and 12 pounds and is about 2 feet tall.
The red panda, like the giant panda, originates from China and Tibet. However, it also inhabits parts of India, Nepal and Burma. Being a climber, it spends most of the time in tree tops. It mainly eats roots, acorns and bamboo.
