Ailuridae is a family in the mammal order Carnivora. The family consists of the red panda (the sole living representative) and its extinct relatives. Georges Cuvier first described Ailurus as belonging to the raccoon family in 1825; this classification has been controversial ever since. [1]

Other articles where Ailuridae is discussed: red panda: …sole member of the family Ailuridae.

Most recent genetic research, however, places red pandas in their own, independent family: Ailuridae. Molecular phylogenetic studies show that red pandas are an ancient species in the order Carnivora (superfamily Musteloidea) and are probably most closely related to the group that includes skunks, raccoons and weasels.

Ailurinae is a subfamily of Ailuridae (of which this is the only extant subfamily out of three). While it is represented by the extant genus Ailurus, there were a handful of genera whose fossils have been found across the Holarctic region.

The red panda family, the Ailuridae, is unusual because its only extant representative is a derived form, far removed from the group’s morphotypical condition. Effectively, the extreme adaptations of the red panda skull and dentition for a vegetarian diet imply that the study of the fossil record is essential if we are to gain an ...

Jan 1, 2011 · The red panda family, the Ailuridae, is unusual because its only extant representative is a derived form, far removed from the group’s morphotypical condition. Effectively, the extreme adaptations of the red panda skull and dentition for a vegetarian diet imply that the study of the fossil record is essential if we are to gain an ...

Mar 23, 2019 · The family Ailuridae belongs to the superfamily Musteloidea which includes animals like the raccoons, the skunks (family Mephitidae) and the weasels (family Mustelidae) which therefore result being the closest living relatives, even if phylogenetically distant.

Jul 29, 2010 · The only extant species of Ailuridae, the red panda, Ailurus fulgens. For colour version see Plate 5. Consensus phylogenetic tree of the extant arctoid families, based on molecular data.

Jan 1, 2022 · Besides a few well-represented taxa such as Simocyon batalleri and Pristinailurus bristoli, the fossil record of Ailuridae mostly consists isolated teeth and fragmentary specimens. However, these two taxa are beginning to shed new light on this group of specialized carnivorans.

Ailuridae is a family in the mammal order Carnivora. The family consists of the red panda and its extinct relatives.