An article published in the journal “Science Advances” reports genetic evidence that there are two distinct species of red panda, or lesser panda, (Ailurus fulgens) and not two subspecies, as per taxonomic classification that existed for over a century and based on morphological differences. A team of researchers carried out genomic research which led to the conclusion that there’s a substantial genetic divergence that adds to the differences found with the classic methods. Consequently, a new classification was proposed with the species Himalayan red panda (Ailurus fulgens) and Chinese red panda (Ailurus styani) instead of the two subspecies. If confirmed, this result poses new problems in saving red pandas from extinction.