A TEAM of Chinese paleontologists, along with their U.S. counterparts, have discovered an extinct predatory family of giant pandas characterized by long limbs and excellent running abilities.

The herbivorous giant panda is the only existing bear in its own genus and species but belonged to a flourishing family millions of years ago.

Researchers from the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the American Museum of Natural History have identified a new genus of an extinct relative of the giant panda. This new genus, named Huracan, has been described based on significant fossil materials found in both North America and eastern Asia.

Huracan emerged during the late Miocene period, dating back approximately 11.6 to 5.3 million years. The earliest fossils of this species were discovered in the Linxia Basin in China’s Gansu Province, according to a study recently published in the journal American Museum Novitates.

The prehistoric carnivorous species spread to both Europe and North America. While it died out relatively quickly in Europe, it evolved into two new species in North America, according to the study.

Although the limb bones of Huracan indicate good running abilities, its forelimbs were not as strong or flexible as those of other bear species. This indicates that it likely preyed on animals such as sheep or camels, rather than more muscular animals like rhinoceros or elephants. The new study shows that the common ancestor of Huracan and Agriotherium evolved from early Indarctos or another Indarctos-like bear, likely in eastern Asia.(Xinhua)