Red panda facts

Between 2,000 - 3,000 in the wild Eats mainly bamboo Threatened by deforestation and poaching Fur hat considered lucky by newly weds

It has already become extinct in 4 of the 7 Chinese provinces in which it was previously found.

There are only two or three thousand still alive in the wild; about 50 of the animals live in zoos in the Western Hemisphere.

The major threats to red pandas are deforestation, and poaching for the pet and fur trades. In China, the fur is used to make hats and clothing.

In Yunnan Province, the hat, with its long, luxurious tail at the back, is desired by newlyweds because it is regarded as a talisman for a happy marriage.

The red panda's diet is unusual as it eats mostly bamboo leaves. But it will supplement this diet with berries, mushrooms, grasses and bark.