Seasonal food habits of the red panda (Ailurus fulgens) in Rara National Park, Nepal

Abstract

We documented the seasonal food habits of the red panda Ailurus fulgens based on the analysis of 152 fecal pellet groups in Rara National Park, Nepal, using micro-histological techniques. We also reviewed previous studies documenting the degree of specialization in red panda diets throughout their range. We found that bamboo was the major food item for red pandas in Rara National Park, occurring in 100% of pellet groups in both the pre- and post-monsoon seasons. Similarly, bamboo was also reported as the dominant food item (80-100%) in the diet of red pandas in seven studies conducted throughout their range. These results confirm previous findings and suggest that red pandas may be vulnerable to bamboo loss through anthropogenic impacts, which could influence their survival. © 2014 Associazione Teriologica Italiana.