The lesser panda is a small, arboreal mammal that belongs to the family Ailuridae. This charming creature is also known as the red panda, or the firefox. It is distinctive for its vibrant red fur, white face, and bushy tail. Seeking shelter in the dense forests of the Himalayas, it is a solitary animal that spends most of its life in trees. Another name for the lesser panda is the Himalayan raccoon, as it shares similar characteristics with this creature's patterning and physique. Many local cultures refer to it as the "First Panda," due to its resemblance to the giant panda and its earlier recognition as a distinct species.