Absence of leading-limb laterality during the transition from rest to locomotion in Chinese Red Pandas (Ailurus...

Leading-limb laterality during locomotor initiation remains relatively unexplored in mammals with semi-arboreal locomotion. This study investigated forelimb preference during the transition from rest to locomotion in captive Chinese red pandas (Ailurus styani), a species naturally characterized by semi-arboreal locomotor adaptations. Behavioural observations of 35 individuals revealed no consistent individual level laterality after correction for multiple comparisons, and no population-level laterality was detected. A subtle negative association was found between age and Laterality Index (LL), indicating a slight trend toward increased left-limb use with maturation, while laterality strength showed no age-related change. No significant sex differences were detected in either the direction or the strength of laterality. For comparative context, reanalysis of published data from five captive giant pandas similarly revealed no significant locomotor laterality at individual or population levels. The absence of consistent laterality in both species may reflect adaptive motor strategies associated with semi-arboreal locomotion, where balanced bilateral coordination could enhance stability during movement across diverse arboreal and terrestrial substrates. This study provides the first investigation of locomotor laterality in Chinese red pandas and offers preliminary insights into how locomotor demands may influence motor organization in mammals with complex locomotor requirements.