Activity patterns of wild red pandas in Fengtongzhai Nature Reserve, China
2011
Zhang, Z. | Hu, J. | Han, Z. | Wei, F.
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.
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