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Reproduction
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Red pandas are
sexually mature at 18-20 months. Their mating season begins in
January and ends in March, and the gestation period, also known as
the period of development from conception to birth, can take
anywhere from 112 days to 158 days. During the gestation
period, the mother red panda will appear heavy and tired.
Roughly, a week before birthing, the mother panda will begin to
gather materials necessary for a den. For instance, she may
gather various grasses, leaves, and twigs. A typical red panda
den consists of a hollow tree cavity or a rock crevice lined with
grasses, leaves, and twigs. Also, red pandas usually have more
than one den so they can move their cubs from den to den when they
feel threatened. |
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birthing day arrives, the mother panda gives birth to a litter usually consisting of
2-4 cubs. At birth, the cubs weigh around 4 to 5 ounces and are blind,
and their development is rather slow. At first, the cubs are covered with
gray-buff fur, and after a few weeks, they begin to develop red guard hairs.
Then, after 17 to 18 days, the cubs' eyes and ears open, and finally, after
about 70
days, the cubs have their full adult coloration. |
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| For the first three to four months, red panda cubs are nursed by their mother. During the nursing stage, the mother panda frequently leaves the den to feed and drink. Around September, red panda cubs start to explore the world outside their den and follow their mother around. This is the time in which they are weaned off of their mother's milk and begin to eat bamboo and other grasses. Once the winter season sets in, the cubs are kicked out of the den. |
