Red pandas, Ailurus fulgens, are popular exhibit animals in zoos. It is clear from data in the global studbook that there is considerable variation in their breeding success in different zoos. Population managers have long suspected that environmental temperature plays a key role in these differences. It is generally thought that this species, which is so well adapted to life in the cold damp climate of the mid-altitude forests of the Himalayas, has a problem coping with warmer climates. However, this hypothesis has not been tested until now. Using data extracted from the global studbook, we have demonstrated that climate at the location of birth has a clear impact on the survival of infant red pandas.

Genetic variation present in the global and regional zoo populations of the red panda is estimated by computer simulations. In this study it is demonstrated that inbreeding depression could occur on the short term in the regional populations. Migration between regional populations is recommended to ensure the future survival of the red panda in captivity. More genealogical lineages should be represented in the breeding program.

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