Endangered species adopted by Hampshire Zoo
Friday September 27, 2024, Cherry, a new recruit from Marwell Zoo in Hampshire, a seven-year-old female red panda, joined Tashi, a male who arrived last year.
The news was announced by Carrie Arnold, the zoo's Carnivores team leader, who told British media BBC “we are delighted to welcome Cherry to Marwell, where she will share our red panda habitat with Tashi”.
This is excellent news for the zoo concerned with the conservation of endangered species. Information unfortunately confirmed by Ms. Arnold “Red pandas are endangered in the wild, where they are hunted for their meat, medicine and fur, and sold in the pet market..
Even if these animals prefer to live near water, or in areas where bamboo, which represents the majority of their diet, is more abundant, the zoo makes sure to reconstitute their living space so that they can feels the best there.
The red panda in a few words…
Although its name recalls the giant panda, theAilurus fulgens from its scientific name, also called fire fox, is not its cousin. Their only common point is their strong interest in bamboo, which it gnaws with its sharp teeth. The appearance of the red panda is more reminiscent of the raccoon and its attitude that of the cat. Like a feline, it grabs onto objects with its “false thumb”, made up of an enlargement of one of the wrist bones.
The latter has a solitary behavior and is especially active at night. Endemic to the mountain forests of Asia, massive deforestation and poaching have reduced its species below 10,000 individuals, despite conservation programs implemented around the world.
The red panda, an endangered species
According to the latest observations recorded by the IUCN red list dating from April 2015, the red panda is classified as an endangered species. In almost twenty years, a decline of almost 50% of its population has been recorded.
The latter is hunted for its fur, but its greatest threat remains deforestation, in fact the latter significantly reduces its food resources. Reasons why many zoological parks around the world have implemented breeding plans and closely monitor their frequent births there, as reported by the National Museum of Natural History (MNHN).
Sources : BBC, Marwellzoo, Nature Conservancy, MNHN, Portsmouth
With an unwavering passion for local news, Christopher leads our editorial team with integrity and dedication. With over 20 years’ experience, he is the backbone of Wouldsayso, ensuring that we stay true to our mission to inform.
