What is the scientific name for a panda? The scientific name of the panda is Ailuropoda melanoleuca for the giant panda and Ailurus fulgens for the red panda.
Pandas are mammals that are pure icons and symbols to admire for their gentle behavior and striking appearance. These creatures, known worldwide, symbolize conservation, but their attribute does not just end at cuteness. This article describes the panda scientific name, meaning, pronunciation, biological classification, genus, habitat, diet, and the two major types, the giant panda and red panda.
Table of Contents
What is the Scientific Name of a Panda?
The term “panda” can refer to two different species, each of which has its scientific name:
Giant Panda Scientific Name:
- Scientific Name: Ailuropoda melanoleuca
- Meaning: “Black and white cat-foot”
- Pronunciation: /ˌaɪ.lʊəˈrɒ.pə.də ˌmɛ.ləˈnoʊ.lu.kə/
Red Panda Scientific Name:
- Scientific Name: Ailurus fulgens
- Meaning: “Shining cat”
- Pronunciation: /ˈaɪ.lʊ.rəs ˈfʊl.dʒəns/
Both scientific names are derived from Latin and Greek and describe the physical characteristics and behavior of the animals.
Panda Biological Classification
Classification of Giant Panda
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Mammalia |
| Order | Carnivora |
| Family | Ursidae |
| Genus | Ailuropoda |
| Species | melanoleuca |
Classification of Red Panda
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Mammalia |
| Order | Carnivora |
| Family | Ailuridae |
| Genus | Ailurus |
| Species | fulgens |
Despite their names, giant pandas and red pandas are not closely related. The giant panda belongs to the bear family, Ursidae, whereas the red panda is the only member of the family Ailuridae.
The Pronunciation of Panda Scientific Names
How to Say Ailuropoda melanoleuca
Breakdown:
- Ai: eye
- luro: loo-roh
- poda: poh-dah
- melano: meh-luh-noh
- leuca: loo-kah
- Full pronunciation: eye-LOO-roh-poh-dah meh-LAN-oh-LOO-kah
How to Say Ailurus fulgens
- Ailurus: eye-LOO-rus
- fulgens: FULL-jens
These names are stipulated internationally by the scientific community to avoid confusion arising from local names.
What Does the Scientific Name of Panda Mean?
Meaning of Ailuropoda melanoleuca
- Ailuros-Greek: cat
- Pous/Poda: foot
- Melano: black
- Leuca: white
Meaning Black and white cat-foot, which describes the panda through the bear-cat similarity.
Meaning of Ailurus fulgens
- Ailurus: cat
- Fulgens: shining or bright
So comes the “shining cat” for the red panda, apt for its fiery red coat and agility.
Genus of Panda Species
Genus of the Giant Panda
- Genus: Ailuropoda
- It has only one presently extant species, the giant panda.
- From the fossil evidence, we can infer that multiple extinct species used to exist under this genus.
Genus of the Red Panda
- Genus: Ailurus
- Also, a monotypic genus that encompasses only one living species, the red panda.
Where Do Pandas Live?
Giant Panda Habitat
- It is found in central China.
- Wild populations are found in the provinces of Sichuan, Gansu, and Shaanxi.
- The habitats preferred by the giant panda are temperate broadleaf and mixed forests with dense bamboo growth.
Red Panda Habitat
- Lives in the eastern Himalayas and southwestern China.
- Found in the countries of Nepal, India, Bhutan, Myanmar, and Tibet.
- Reside in mountainous forests at an elevation of 2,200-4,800 meters. Both species depend on the same thick forests with good bamboo growth.
What Do Pandas Eat?
Giant Panda Diet
- Mainly bamboo (99%)
- Rarely feeds on eggs, insects, and small rodents
- They consume 12-38 kg of bamboo every day
Red Panda Diet
- Primarily herbivorous
- Bamboo leaves, fruits, berries, acorns, roots, insects, and small birds are preferred foods.
- Although all panda species are officially classified as carnivores, they are specialized herbivores with a highly adapted digestive system suited for a bamboo-based diet.
Types of Pandas
1. Giant Panda
- Biological name: Ailuropoda melanoleuca
- The black-and-white creature
- That dwells in China
- Looks like a bear
- Weight: 70–160 kg
- Conservation status: Vulnerable
2. Red Panda
- Biological name: Ailurus fulgens
- Reddish-brown fur, long striped tail
- Lives in the Himalayas
- Smaller, raccoon-like body
- Weight: 3–6 kg
- Conservation Status: Endangered
Conclusion
There is more than one species classification in the scientific name of the panda. It also includes their physical characteristics, evolution, and uniqueness. Whether it be the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) or the red panda (Ailurus fulgens), both species are necessary within an ecosystem, just as they are essential to conservation efforts. Knowing about their genus, classification, habitat, diet, and pronunciation helps educate and create awareness toward their protection.
Also Read:
Explore more scientific names and classifications of animals, birds, insects, and plants at ScientificNamea.com.
