Activity patterns of wild red pandas in Fengtongzhai Nature Reserve, China

Abstract

To describe general patterns of activity in wild red pandas (Ailurus fulgens) we used radio-telemetry in the field from May 2002 to April 2003 in Fengtongzhai Nature Reserve, China. Our results indicated a circadian activity rate of 48.6% (±12.4), with two peaks at 700-1000 h and 1700-1800 h. The activity rhythm was characterized by frequent active periods interspersed with rests. Red pandas were more active during the day than at night, and crepuscular activity rates were intermediate. Activity rate was higher in spring and summer-autumn than winter. On average, red pandas rested 4.96±0.90 times per day, with long rests of greater than 2 h constituting 73.2% of the total duration. A lower circadian activity rate and higher frequency of long rests in winter may be a heat loss adaptation under cold environmental conditions.

Improved Trapping and Handling of an Arboreal, Montane Mammal: Red Panda Ailurus fulgens

“…We observed red pandas on the ground on three occasions, while the balance of the sightings were in trees. When we attempted to catch a grounded animal, we had to approach them to make them climb a tree as has been done elsewhere [ 13 , 24 , 25 ]. In this study, we observed them fleeing some distance on the ground in front of the trackers before they climbed a tree.…”

“…In this study, we observed them fleeing some distance on the ground in front of the trackers before they climbed a tree. In China, dogs have also been used to chase red pandas to make them climb a tree [ 24 ], but this seems an unacceptably stressful way to capture red pandas.…”

“…For this reason, the ketamine dose was high in that animal. However, the ketamine dose is less than previously used for immobilizing wild red pandas [ 13 , 21 , 22 , 24 , 25 ].…”

“…Studies have involved capturing and handling free-living red pandas in the past [ 13 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 ]. However, in those studies, the capture methods, both direct and indirect, are incompletely described [ 21 , 22 , 24 , 25 ]. Direct capturing methods employ climbing trees and capturing the red panda using the noose pole method [ 13 ].…”

“…Direct capturing methods employ climbing trees and capturing the red panda using the noose pole method [ 13 ]. Direct capturing has been employed in China using dogs to chase animals to a tree, but the method is poorly described [ 24 , 25 ]. Indirect methods include log traps [ 13 , 20 , 23 ], and leg-snare traps [ 23 ].…”