Ailurus is a genus of mammals that includes the red panda, known scientifically as Ailurus fulgens. These animals are native to the temperate forests of the Himalayas and southwestern China. Red pandas are characterized by their reddish-brown fur, bushy tails, and a diet primarily consisting of bamboo, although they also eat fruits and insects. The red panda is a solitary creature, often found resting in trees during the day. They are classified as carnivores, but their diet is mostly herbivorous. Due to habitat loss and poaching, red pandas are considered vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).