Vocalizations:
* High-pitched chirps and whistles: Used for general communication, especially when foraging.
* Barking and growling: Expresses alarm or warning.
* Shrill screams: Used in distress or threat displays.
* Sniffing and scent marking: Important for marking territory and communicating with other red pandas.
Body language:
* Tail waving: Can be used to signal excitement or a threat.
* Tail fluffing: Indicates fear or alarm.
* Hair-raising: Can be used for intimidation.
* Lip licking: Can indicate anxiety or anticipation.
* Ear flattening: Shows fear or aggression.
Scent marking:
* Anal gland secretions: Leave strong scent marks on trees and rocks to communicate territory and individual identity.
* Urine spraying: Similar function to anal gland secretions.
Other:
* Facial expressions: Red pandas can convey emotions through subtle changes in their facial expressions, although this is not as well studied as in other animals.
Social Interactions:
* Red pandas are generally solitary animals, but they do interact with each other for mating and rearing young.
* Communication between mother and cubs is crucial for survival.
* Scent marking plays a key role in establishing and maintaining territories.
While their vocalizations are relatively quiet, red pandas rely heavily on other forms of communication, particularly scent marking, to navigate their social world.
It's important to note that red panda communication is still being studied, and there is much we don't yet know about their complex social lives and how they use different signals.