Red panda

The discovery of panda fossils in China has helped researchers solve the mystery of how the giant species developed a "false thumb" and became the only dedicated vegetarian in the bear family.

Fossils dating back about six million years found in southwest China's Yunnan province included a greatly enlarged wrist bone called a radial sesamoid.

Red pandas, the bushy-tailed and russet-furred bamboo munchers that dwell in Asian high forests, are not a single species but rather two distinct ones, according to the most comprehensive genetic study to date on these endangered mammals.

The rescue in Laos of three endangered red pandas trafficked from China has raised fears the rare animals are increasingly being coveted by exotic pet owners.

Bored Panda website recently asked fans - and especially cat lovers - to submit photos of camouflaged cats, that seem to be experts at hide and seek.

More and more users have been adding photos to the list, which features cute cats and kittens of all colors and patterns, hiding in the most unexpected places.

See some of the photos below

A set of panda triplets, known as the world's only surviving trio, have opened their eyes for the first time more than a month after their birth in a Chinese zoo.