Ecological niche Red pandas have an important role in their ecosystem, controlling the populations they prey upon. They live in South Asia’s middle mountains in forests which are the lungs of this area. If these forests are kept intact, the people, plants and animals of South Asia can live a healthy life. All though red pandas are a naturally aggressive and carnivorous species, they act more vegetarian mainly consuming bamboo and other plants. 

Red pandas participate in many interactions with other organisms. First, they are predators to small birds, insects, and grubs. Also, they serve as prey for snow leopards and clouded leopards. Similarly, red panda cubs serve as prey for birds, such as owls and hawks.