BHOJPUR: Conservation efforts to protect the endangered Red Panda have begun in Bhojpur. Targeted initiatives are being carried out in areas where red pandas are known to inhabit.
According to the Red Panda Network, 48 cameras have been installed in four community forests to monitor and gather data on Red Panda populations.
Kapildev Adhikari, an officer at the Division Forest Office, Bhojpur, said that 8,000 malingo (a bamboo species favored by Red Pandas ) saplings have been planted in the Bhurukhek and Mahabhir Balwani community forests of Temkemaiyung-1, Sawa.
In addition, three large ponds have been constructed to support red panda conservation as well as other wildlife in the area.
Adhikari noted that in the last fiscal year, conservation work worth Rs. 1.33 million—including labor—was completed. This included the construction of ponds and the plantation of malingo saplings.
“We’re working to protect the red panda in collaboration with the Red Panda Network,” he said. “Malingo shoots are a key food source for the red panda, which is why we’ve planted saplings here.”
As per the National Wildlife Conservation Act 2029, anyone found guilty of poaching or trafficking red pandas faces fines ranging from Rs. 100,000 to Rs. 500,000, imprisonment from one to ten years, or both.
The conservation efforts are taking place along the popular Mundum trekking route, with an aim to also boost ecotourism in the region by protecting Red Panda habitats.
Ganesh Shrestha, chairman of the Collective Campaign Bhojpur, confirmed that cameras have been installed in the Naya Kharka, Bhurukhek, Dhappare Ekrate, and Mayung community forests. A red panda was recently sighted in the Dhappare community forest.
“We are working with the Red Panda Network on this conservation project,” Shrestha said. “Camera traps are being used to carry out a census of red pandas in protected areas. We’re also raising community awareness and working to prevent poaching.”
To further support protection efforts, seven mobile patrol teams have been trained, and two forest guardians have been appointed on a paid basis. These guardians will provide regular updates on red panda activity and assist with monitoring and patrolling.
Additional programs—such as fire management training and sustainable livelihood feasibility studies—are also underway.
Ramadevi Rai, vice-chairperson of Temkemaiyung Rural Municipality, said the local government is committed to preventing poaching and supporting long-term conservation. Future plans aim to integrate red panda conservation with local tourism development.
Saroj Basnet, chairperson of the rural municipality, emphasized that conservation efforts are being carried out in partnership with various organizations. “Our goal is to designate areas where red pandas are found as a dedicated Red Panda Zone,” she said.
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