The , more commonly known as the Red Panda , is a small, arboreal mammal native to the high-altitude forests of the Himalayas and southwestern China . Often described as a "living fossil," it is the only surviving member of the family Ailuridae and is more closely related to weasels, skunks, and raccoons than to the giant panda. Known for its striking russet fur, masked face, and bushy ringed tail, it leads a largely solitary and crepuscular life, spending up to 90% of its time in the tree canopy. Red Panda | Christine Lucas