Ponya

The Red Panda, otherwise known as Ponya (in Nepali), resembles a raccoon in size and appearance and is not closely related to the Giant Panda. It is native to the temperate forests of the Himalayas, is a good tree climber, and spends most of its time in trees. The house holds the value of "Curiosity".

For more on Red Pandas and their endangerment, click here.

House Companion Animal: Tamaraw

Found only on an island in the Philippines; threatened by habitat loss (agriculture, human settlement) & poaching

Residential Fellow: Associate Professor Bimlesh Wadhwa

The Tembusu (Fagraea fragrans) is a large evergreen tree in the family Gentianaceae. It is native to Southeast Asia. Its trunk is dark brown, with deeply fissured bark, looking somewhat like a bittergourd. It grows in an irregular shape from 10 to 25m high. Its leaves are light green and oval in shape. Its yellowish flowers have a distinct fragrance and the fruits of the tree are bitter tasting red berries, which are eaten by birds and fruit bats.