1. Bamboo: Bamboo is the primary food for red pandas, making up to 95% of their diet. They are highly specialized to eat bamboo, with a pseudo-thumb that helps them grasp the bamboo stems. Red pandas have special digestive adaptations, such as a longer digestive tract and gut bacteria, that allow them to break down the tough cellulose in bamboo.
2. Fruits and Berries: Red pandas also eat a variety of fruits and berries, especially when bamboo is scarce or out of season. They have been observed eating fruits such as wild strawberries, raspberries, cherries, apples, and peaches. They may also eat nuts and seeds.
3. Invertebrates: Red pandas supplement their diet with various invertebrates, including insects and their larvae. Common insect prey includes beetles, ants, grasshoppers, and caterpillars. Red pandas may also eat spiders, millipedes, and earthworms.
4. Hunting Small Animals: Although not a significant part of their diet, red pandas have been known to hunt small animals, such as birds and rodents. They are skilled climbers and may be able to reach bird nests or catch small rodents on the ground.
5. Exploring Different Environments: Red pandas have large home ranges and may travel long distances in search of food. They explore various habitats, including mixed temperate forests, bamboo forests, and coniferous forests, to find different food sources throughout the year.
It's worth noting that red pandas are highly adaptable and may adjust their diet based on the availability of food in their environment. Their diet can vary between different regions and seasons.