In this article, we’ll discuss some popular questions about red pandas and colors. Now, let’s get started!
Table of Contents
- Are Red Pandas Color Blind?
- What are Red Pandas Favorite Colors?
- Can Red Pandas Be Different Colors?
- How Do Red Pandas Get Their Color?
- Do Red Pandas Change Color?
- Recap:
- Sources:
Are Red Pandas Color Blind?
No, red pandas are not color blind since they have a dichromatic color vision. However, they can’t see the full spectrum.
In other words, they can see a few colors and differentiate between them. So, these animals are not color blind, and their color spectrum is somewhat medium.
That being said, let’s see more about the red panda color spectrum.
The Color Spectrum of Red Pandas – What Colors Do They See?
Red pandas are different from humans because they do not have trichromatic vision. In this case, the trichromatic vision helps them differentiate color easily.
In clarification, red pandas are not born with the three photoreceptor cells like humans. Owing to this, they can see some colors.
These mammals only have two types of photoreceptor cells that allow them to see only a few colors. In addition, the red pandas can only see a few colors because they only see shorter wavelengths.
For this reason, they can also see medium wavelength colors like ultraviolet and light blue. As a result, red pandas see the world differently from us.
Additionally, red pandas can see some colors with more detail than others. They include:
- Green
- Yellow
- Brown
- Blue
- Gray
What are Red Pandas Favorite Colors?
The favorite colors of red pandas are shades of green and blue. For them, almost the whole world is painted this way since these are the colors they easily see.
For red pandas, most other colors may appear like shades of blue or green. In clarification, they see other colors like humans see the world when wearing colored glasses.
Can Red Pandas Be Different Colors?
Yes, red pandas can have different colors in terms of the physical appearance of the fur. However, the physical appearance in terms of color depends on the region where a red panda originates.
For example, there are red pandas from the Himalayan or Chinese regions. These two species appear different in color, and it is among the main things that differentiate them.
That being said, let’s talk about the different colors of red pandas discovered to date.
The Chinese Red Panda Color
Chinese red pandas have a different physical appearance in terms of color. Their red fur is darker and lively.
In addition, these pandas’ reddish color spreads from the crown to their head. This color even goes to the tail; however, these reddish colors may begin disappearing at the tail.
The Chinese red panda also has a different type of facial mask. On top of that, the facial mask color is quite darker than in the other body sections.
This dark color stretches to the cheeks and snout, bringing a gray-black border around the eyes.
Additionally, red pandas from China also have white paws and ear tips. The color of the fur around their paws and ear tips makes them quite distinctive.
The Chinese red panda’s bushy tails have stripes that make them unique. The stripes are reddish brown, which also blend in with the darker ring-like formations.
The Himalayan Red Panda Color
These red panda species are quite different from the Chinese species. This is because they have a lighter reddish-brown color around almost all sections of their bodies.
In other words, the Himalayan red pandas have a more pale appearance in terms of color.
In some cases, they may also appear cinnamon-colored.
This general color combination makes them differ physically from the Chinese red pandas. Also, Himalayan red pandas have a simple coloring around the eyes, cheeks, and snout.
In other words, these red pandas don’t have bold markings around their eyes and face like the Chinese ones. Their ears may appear silver gray, and it’s mostly common around their ear tips.
Albino Red Panda Color
On the other hand, there are albino red pandas with white fur covering almost all parts of their bodies. In this case, albino red pandas do not come from any specific region.
These red pandas can be born in any region, either China or the Himalayas. In other words, albinism in these mammals comes due to genetic mutations, just like in humans.
How Do Red Pandas Get Their Color?
The natural color of red pandas comes from several factors. These factors include:
Genetics
The fur color of these mammals primarily comes from genetic inheritance from their parents. In other words, some genes determine the production of pigments in the fur.
In addition, these genes help in producing pigments called pheomelanin and eumelanin. After that, these two pigments will create a reddish hue.
Diet
The red panda diet also plays a role in determining their natural color. This is because red pandas consume a lot of plant material, including bamboo and other fruits.
Bamboo contains a lot of carotenoids, which are naturally occurring pigments that plants synthesize. These pigments play a huge role in enhancing the natural color of red pandas in their habitats.
Ultraviolet Rays Reflectance
The red panda fur reflects ultraviolet rays differently than normal light. Therefore, this reflectance is also a factor that promotes the red color.
However, keep in mind that ultraviolet rays do not give them the red color; they only enhance it.
Do Red Pandas Change Color?
No, red pandas do not physically change their color. However, they camouflage from their predators naturally as a form of adaptation.
For instance, the back of a red panda is the same color as the moss on the trees around them. As a result, they always end up blending in perfectly with most of their surrounding.
Recap:
To sum up, red pandas have keen eyesight and can see some shades of color. However, these mammals cannot see the full spectrum like humans.
Some of the colors that they can see include:
- Green
- Blue
- Gray
Additionally, red pandas also have a beautiful fur color. They come in different colors depending on the species or naturally occurring conditions.
Many factors contribute to giving them their natural colors.
Some of the factors that help in giving and enhancing their colors include:
- Genetics
- Diet
- Ultraviolet ray reflectance
Now you know that red pandas are not color-blind. But that’s just one of the many unique things about their vision.
Find out more in our article 7 Facts About Red Pandas Vision
