Evolutionary origin of the red panda (Ailurus fulgens)

Abstract

The red (or lesser) panda, Ailurus fulgens (Ailuridae), is a vegetarian species in the order Carnivora (meaning "flesh-eating"). Owing to the primitive and highly specialized morphological characteristics of this species, resolution of its systematic status has been a riddle in evolutionary studies for almost two centuries. In this review, we provide information about recent progress in molecular phylogenetic studies and also guide readers to the current knowledge on the evolutionary origin of this species. Recent and ongoing multi-locus phylogenetic analyses on nuclear DNA sequences have solved the long-standing controversy, providing a well-supported hypothesis that the red panda is the closest living relative of the raccoon (Procyonidae) and weasel (Mustelidae) families to the exclusion of the skunk (Mephitidae) family. Molecular dating and biogeographical analyses have indicated that the origin of the red panda lineage was almost 30 million years ago in Asia. These molecular results are in harmony with palaeonto- logical evidence.