AILURIDAE Meaning and
Definition
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Ailuridae refers to a family of mammals commonly known as the "red pandas." The word Ailuridae originates from the Latin word "ailurus," meaning cat-like, and the suffix "-idae," indicating a taxonomic family. This family is made up of two extant species, Ailurus fulgens and Ailurus styani, both known for their distinctive fur coloration and robust tail.
Red pandas are primarily found in the Himalayan foothills of China, Nepal, Bhutan, and northern Myanmar. They inhabit forested regions, particularly bamboo forests, where they spend most of their time on trees. Red pandas are relatively small in size, measuring around 50 to 64 centimeters (20 to 25 inches) in length, excluding their tail, which can reach up to 59 centimeters (23 inches). They weigh between 3 and 6 kilograms (7 to 14 pounds).
The distinctive characteristic of red pandas is their vibrant reddish-brown fur, which helps them blend in with the surrounding moss and lichen-covered trees. They have a mask-like facial pattern with white markings around their eyes, giving them a captivating and adorable appearance. Red pandas are primarily herbivorous, feeding on bamboo leaves, shoots, berries, eggs, and occasionally small mammals or birds.
Due to habitat loss, illegal hunting, and poaching, the red panda population is classified as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Conservation efforts are being carried out to protect and preserve their habitats and ensure their survival in the wild.
Etymology of AILURIDAE
The word "ailuridae" is derived from Greek roots. It is a combination of "ailouros", which means "cat", and "-idae", a suffix used in taxonomy to denote a family. Therefore, "ailuridae" refers to the family of mammals known as the "cat-like" or "feline" animals. Ailuridae is the scientific name for a specific family of mammals, including the red pandas.
