Panda is the name of two species of Asian mammals that differ greatly in appearance. The red panda, also called the lesser panda, is reddish-brown and much smaller. Both species live in bamboo forests on upper mountain slopes of western and southwestern China. The red panda also lives in Nepal, northern India, and northern Myanmar. Giant pandas are rare and are protected by law in China.
Zoologists disagree about how closely the giant panda and the red panda are related to each other.
They also disagree on whether to classify pandas in the raccoon family, in the bear family, or in a family of their own. Red pandas have many characteristics in common with raccoons. These include fur markings and the ability to grasp objects with the front paws. Giant pandas resemble bears in size, body shape, general appearance, and the ability to stand erect on their hind legs. Many zoologists studying pandas in the wild, however, argue that the two species of pandas should be placed in a family of their own.