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Ailurus
fulgens styani |
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In 1825, the red panda's scientific history began. The famous zoologist, Frédéric Cuvier, was the first person to propose the scientific name for the red panda. He first came up with the genus name, Ailurus, which meant cat-like. He then came up with the species name, fulgens, which recognized the animal's brilliant colors. The scientific name was and still is a perfect description for the red panda. Red pandas have very distinct physical features, including a large head, short neck, long tail, round face, white muzzle, pointed ears, and large paws.
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