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.
The red panda is a mammal that belongs to the Ailuridae family, of which it’s the only representative still existing. Widespread in some areas of the Himalaya and southwestern China, it’s mainly vegetarian as it eats above all bamboo, fruit, leaves and roots but can also feed on insects and other small animals. It has various nicknames and some Chinese sources also report the nickname firefox, with the web browser named after it.
Deforestation in areas where the red panda lives, poaching and competition from domestic species led to a progressive decrease in the red panda population. Among the aggravating factors there are the poor knowledge of the various risk factors in the various areas and the scarcity of genetic data, which interfere with the rescue projects of this species.
This new research examined the DNA of 65 red panda specimens after collecting muscle, skin and blood samples in seven different areas. The analysis focused on differences in the Y chromosome characteristic of males taken from 49 individuals. The researchers concluded that there are two populations that are different to the point that they form two distinct species. The Chinese red panda is divided in three populations with various genetic differences. Another the news there’s the line dividing the two species: it’s not the Nujiang River, as was thought for the subspecies of the classical taxonomy, but the Yalu Zanbu River.
The image ((A) Yunfang Xiu, Straits (Fuzhou) Giant Panda Research and Exchange Center, China. (B) Arjun Thapa, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences. (C) Yibo Hu, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences. (D) Chiranjibi Prasad Pokheral, Central Zoo, Jawalkhel, Lalitpur, Nepal) shows photos of the Chinese red panda (A and C) and the Himalayan red panda (B and D). The Chinese red panda has a redder fur and striped tail rings more distinct than those of the Himalayan red panda.
According to the researchers, the divergence that led to two red panda species began during the penultimate glaciation, which occurred between 300,000 and 130,000 years ago. The various populations went through bottlenecks periods and occasional expansion.
A confirmation of these results would complicate the strategies to save the red panda. Births are often set up in captivity and the existence of two species will require a greater attention in choosing the parents. This may also apply to the individual populations because their genetic diversity will have to be carefully assessed. It’s a problem that human activities caused to red pandas and many other species.
