Initiative launched to conserve endangered red panda in Ilam

ILAM: An initiative has been launched in Ilam to conserve the endangered red panda by planting trees and fencing government-owned land at the Potato Development Center in Sandakpur and Maijogmai rural municipalities.

Most of the 8,424 ropanis of land under the Ministry of Agriculture remains unused, and efforts are now being made to utilize it for developing an organic route to support wildlife movement.

A technical team from the Ministry of Forest and Environment has conducted a study and monitoring in the area, also engaging in discussions with locals and representatives.

The Red Panda Network has already purchased 800 ropanis of land in the same area for conservation, where trees have been planted. However, due to insufficient land for the organic route, efforts are underway to transfer some land from the Ministry of Agriculture to the Ministry of Forest and Environment.

Dhananjay Lamichhane, Deputy Director General of the Department of Forest and Soil Conservation, stated that tree plantations will be carried out in Jaubari, Meghma, and Tumlinga in the high hills to establish a biological corridor for wildlife movement. The first phase of the project will assess the land’s suitability for this purpose.

Currently, cattle grazing is widespread in the region. Conservation efforts aim to restore greenery and create employment through tree plantations, according to Angfuri Sherpa, Executive Director of the Red Panda Network.

Similarly, Ram Rimal, Program Coordinator of the Deepjyoji Youth Club, stated that plants essential for the red panda’s diet are being planted in collaboration with the network.

The initiative is particularly significant as the area lies along the Nepal-India border. While the Indian side has dense forests under Singalila National Park, the Nepalese side is mostly grassland, making wildlife movement difficult. The project aims to green the Nepalese side, facilitating safe passage for red pandas and other species.

The red panda is found in 13 districts of Nepal, including Ilam, Taplejung, and Panchthar.