Red pandas are actually two separate species, study finds

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Scientists found substantial divergences between Chinese red pandas and Himalayan red pandas in three genetic markers

Red pandas, the bushy-tailed and russet-furred mammals that dwell in Asia’s high forests, are not a single species but rather two distinct ones, according to the most comprehensive genetic study to date on these endangered animals.

Scientists said on Wednesday they found substantial divergences between the two species – Chinese red pandas and Himalayan red pandas – in three genetic markers in an analysis of DNA from 65 of the animals.

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from The Guardian https://ift.tt/32JcHp7

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