The only "real" panda species are red pandas.

Red pandas are a bamboo-eating species that originated in Asia's Himalayan forests, just like giant pandas. Although they have a similar name and preferred food, the two creatures are not closely related. Red pandas were first described by Western scientists 50 years before giant pandas, and the black-and-white bear was named after the smaller red panda as a result of its similar traits, such as a preference for bamboo and the presence of an extra finger known as a pseudo thumb. However, one of the interesting facts about red pandas according to the most recent study, giant pandas are members of the bear family Ursidae, whereas red pandas belong to their own taxonomic family, Ailuridae. Because of this, red pandas are the only "genuine" panda. The name "panda" is thought to have originated from the Nepalese "nigella pony," which means "bamboo eater."

The Chinese red panda (Ailurus styrene) and the Himalayan red panda are believed to be two separate species of red pandas, according to recent genetic analyses (Ailurus fulgens). Red pandas from China often have redder faces and more distinct tail rings, whereas red pandas from the Himalayas typically have smaller sizes and lighter-colored fur.