KATHMANDU: Conservation efforts for the endangered red panda are being intensified in Nepal’s high-altitude Himalayan regions, according to the National Trust for Nature Conservation.
The organization has been conducting awareness programs in coordination with local governments across the Annapurna Conservation Area, Manaslu Conservation Area, and Gaurishankar Conservation Area, where red pandas are commonly found.
According to conservation officials, the species faces increasing threats from poaching and attacks by wild dogs. Misconceptions that red panda fur has commercial value have also contributed to illegal hunting pressures.
The red panda, a rare mammal found in the high mountains and hilly regions of Nepal, is considered a unique species in the country. While various species of panda exist globally, Nepal is home only to the red panda.
Authorities estimate that Nepal has around 400 to 600 red pandas, though their population has been declining in recent years.
Red pandas primarily inhabit bamboo forests and feed on bamboo shoots. Conservationists say that habitat loss, human activities, and wildlife threats are major challenges for their survival, making awareness and community participation crucial for their protection.
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