Red pandas are actually two separate species, study finds

[Eugene]

Related: Genomic evidence for two phylogenetic species and long-term population bottlenecks in red pandas (Science Advances)

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Source: Reuters

Red pandas are actually two separate species, study finds

Reuters
Fri 28 Feb 2020 00.11 GMT

Red pandas, the bushy-tailed and russet-furred mammals that dwell in Asia’s high forests, are not a single species but rather two distinct ones, according to the most comprehensive genetic study to date on these endangered animals.

Scientists said on Wednesday they found substantial divergences between the two species – Chinese red pandas and Himalayan red pandas – in three genetic markers in an analysis of DNA from 65 of the animals.

The recognition of the existence of two separate species could help guide conservation efforts for a mammal as its numbers dwindle in the wild, they added.

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“To conserve the genetic uniqueness of the two species, we should avoid their interbreeding in captivity,” said Chinese Academy of Sciences conservation biologist Yibo Hu, who along with colleague Fuwen Wei led the study published in the journal Science Advances. “Interbreeding between species may harm the genetic adaptations already established for their local habitat environment.“

Scientists previously recognised red pandas as divided into two subspecies. While it had been proposed that these were separate species, the new study was the first to provide the genetic data necessary to allow such a judgment.

-snip-

Read more: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/feb/28/red-pandas-are-actually-two-separate-species-study-finds

[KT2000]

1. all I know is that they are cute

and their babies are adorable.