Georgia Zoos, Aquariums and Wildlife

The name "panda" comes from the Nepalese word meaning "bamboo eater." In the wild, red pandas and giant pandas eat mostly bamboo. However, this is about the only similarity between these animals.

Both pandas are classified in the order "carnivora" based on their tooth structure, though they usually eat only plants. Though both live in the bamboo forests of southern Asia, red pandas live in higher and colder elevations than their much larger cousin.

Red Pandas look similar to raccoons, but recent genetic studies have shown red pandas are more closely related to bears. Red pandas are well adapted for climbing, spending much of their time in trees foraging for food.

Giant pandas are among the rarest mammals in the world. There are approximately 1,000 left in the wild. Although, giant pandas have few natural enemies, habitat encroachment and destruction are the greatest threats to the survival of the Giant Panda. This is mainly because of the demand for land and natural resources by China's 1 billion inhabitants.