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Distribution of the red panda Ailurus fulgens in South Asia (modified from Choudhury, 2001), showing locations covered by published research focusing on the species and the locations of published wildlife surveys that noted the species' presence.
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The red panda Ailurus fulgens is categorized as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Pressurized by an expanding human population, it is mainly threatened by habitat destruction, with < 10,000 mature individuals remaining. The red panda has been studied in India, China, Nepal and, to a lesser extent, Myanmar, but no research has been published on this...
Contexts in source publication
Context 1
... socio-economy Approximately 23% of Bhutan's population live below the poverty line (BTN 1,100, or USD 25, per person per month) with 97% of these people living in rural areas (National Statistics Bureau of Bhutan, ...
Context 2
... socio-economy Approximately 23% of Bhutan's population live below the poverty line (BTN 1,100, or USD 25, per person per month) with 97% of these people living in rural areas (National Statistics Bureau of Bhutan, 2009). ...
Similar publications
The red panda 'Ailurus fulgens' is a vulnerable flagship species in the eastern Himalayas. Pressurized by an expanding human population, it is mainly threatened by habitat destruction with less than 10,000 mature individuals remaining. The red panda has been studied in India, China, Nepal and to a lesser extent, Myanmar, but no research has been pu...
Citations
... Red pandas prefer mature forest habitats in close proximity to water sources (within 100-200 m), characterized by tree canopy cover (>30%), bamboo cover (>37%), and a preferred bamboo height of 2.9 m (Williams, 2004;Bista et al., 2017). Across various forest types, red pandas display a preference for steeper slopes and areas abundant with fallen logs, tree stumps, shrubs, bamboo culms, and aspects facing north, north-west, and south-west (Zhang et al., 2008;Dorji et al., 2012). ...
... With less than 10,000 mature individuals remaining worldwide, red pandas are on the verge of extinction in the near future (Dorji et al., 2012). Estimates of the total red panda population in Nepal ranges between 237 and 1061 individuals (Bista et al., 2017;Acharya et al., 2018). ...
... Natural challenges to red panda include bamboo die-off, mass flowering of bamboo (DNPWC, 2018), forest fire, and the impacts of climate change (Bhatta et al., 2014;Bista et al., 2017;Thapa et al., 2020). Similarly, habitat degradation, infrastructural expansion, deforestation, predation by feral dogs, and the construction of roads and trekking trails contribute to habitat fragmentation and disturbance, disrupting the habitat requirements of red pandas (Williams, 2004;Dorji et al., 2012;Bista and Paudel, 2014;Panthi et al., 2019;Dendup et al., 2020;Thapa et al., 2020;Lama et al., 2020;Subedi et al., 2022). ...
In Nepal, red panda has been sparsely studied, although its range covers a wide geographical area. The current study was conducted in two community forests of Ilam district with the objective of examining the present distributional status and determining the habitat utilization of the species. Extensive field surveys were conducted to estimate species distribution by presence-absence of the species in the study site. Primary data was recorded from 12 transects during the field survey. The study revealed uneven distribution of red panda in the study site that may be due to the altitudinal and geographic variations, availability of food sources, bamboo cover and distance to water resources. The logistic regression model demonstrated the presence of bamboo, elevation, and above ground biomass the significant determinants associated with red panda habitat. We recorded the presence of red panda within the elevation range of 2200 to 2600 m.a.s.l. in broad-leaved mixed forest with abundant bamboo in the understory at our study site. Mass flowering and die-off of bamboo, landslides and anthropogenic threats like livestock grazing, and ringal bamboo cutting, were found to be the serious threat associated with red panda habitat. The study strongly recommends conservation managers, policy makers and concerned stakeholders to mitigate the existing threats and human-induced activities on the red panda habitat.
... Red pandas inhabit sub-tropical and temperate alpine forests in the Himalayas and southern China (Roberts and Gittleman 1984;Yonzon 1989;Yonzon and Hunter 1991;Sharma and Belant 2009;Glatston et al 2015). There are two red panda subspecies separated geographically by the Nujiang River in Yunnan, China, with A. f. fulgens distributed in Bhutan, India, and Nepal, and A. f. styani in China and Myanmar (Wei et al 1999;Choudhury 2001;Groves 2011;Dorji et al 2012). The red panda is a bamboo specialist whose diet is > 90% bamboo with opportunistic consumption of fruits, small birds, eggs, insects, mushrooms, and other grasses (Yonzon and Hunter 1991;Wei et al 1999;Pradhan et al 2001;Dorji et al 2012). ...
... There are two red panda subspecies separated geographically by the Nujiang River in Yunnan, China, with A. f. fulgens distributed in Bhutan, India, and Nepal, and A. f. styani in China and Myanmar (Wei et al 1999;Choudhury 2001;Groves 2011;Dorji et al 2012). The red panda is a bamboo specialist whose diet is > 90% bamboo with opportunistic consumption of fruits, small birds, eggs, insects, mushrooms, and other grasses (Yonzon and Hunter 1991;Wei et al 1999;Pradhan et al 2001;Dorji et al 2012). ...
The red panda (Ailurus fulgens) population is decreasing, with less than 10,000 individuals in the wild because of habitat destruction, fragmentation, and illegal hunting. Captive breeding has become an increasingly crucial strategy for conserving endangered species, but efforts to generate self-sustaining populations have failed despite ample resources being allocated. Animals are often stressed in captivity, and it is necessary to examine reproductive behavior relating to the complexity of habitat requirements, dietary preferences, and, in particular, pregnant mothers and their sensitivity to disruptions. Using videography, we observed the reproductive behavior of two red pandas along with other behavioral activities in the Central Zoo, Kathmandu, Nepal. We collected behavioral data from December 2020 to June 2021 using scan and focal sampling. Reproductive behaviors (e.g., scent-marking, allogrooming, chasing, running, aggressiveness, mating, and feeding feces) were observed, along with behaviors like locomotion, climbing, standing, self-grooming, feeding, sleeping, self-play, and stretching. We observed 1–2% of reproductive behavior from total activity. Copulation was attempted on three occasions suggesting reproduction can be successful if animal husbandry is properly managed. We recommend zoo managers further refine strategies for captive breeding endangered species such as red pandas. Successful captive breeding benefits the zoo, and captive-born animals can mitigate extinction in the wild.
... The red panda (Ailurus fulgens) is endemic to the Eastern Himalayas, ranging from western Nepal through Bhutan, India, Myanmar, and the western Yunnan province of China (Dorji et al., 2012), where it is found at high elevations (2,200 to 5,000 m), inhabiting Himalayan temperate forests (Nijboer et al., 2010). The habitat is characterized by a temperature ranging from 10 to 25°C and an average annual rainfall of 3500 mm (Roberts and Gittleman,1984). ...
Imawbum National Park is a biodiversity hotspot, supporting habitat of the Endangered red panda. The National Park is part of the Northern Forest Complex in Kachin State, Myanmar, in the Eastern Himalayan Region. Forest degradation and habitat loss resulting from illegal logging is the primary threat to red pandas in the area. Assessments of the species’ density and habitat status in Imawbum National Park have been hampered by inadequate data and the difficult and rugged terrain that is present. In this study, we estimate red panda density using a spatial presence-absence model and predicted the area and type of suitable habitat, using an infinite weight logistic regression model. Red panda density was estimated as 58 animals/100 km ² in our study area, with the predicted area of suitable habitat being1373 km ² inside and 633 km ² outside the park. Elevation and snow cover both positively influenced the probabilities of occurrence and detection, respectively. These results highlight the significance of Imawbum National Park as an important area of habitat red panda and the need to protect and conserve both the national park and the surrounding areas effectively to ensure the species’ long-term survival.
... They live in bamboounderstory temperate broadleaf woods (Acharya et al., 2018). Red pandas are said to like locations with dense forest (tree canopy cover of over 30%), a lot of bamboo cover (>37%), bamboo height (2.9 m), and are located within 100 to 200 meters of water sources (Dorji et al., 2012;Pradhan et al., 2001a). These creatures have been discovered in regions with yearly rainfall averaging 3500 millimeters and temperatures between 10 and 25 degrees Celsius (Lama, 2019). ...
... The study performed in May 2013 in three Village Development Committees (VDCs) in the Jumla district namely, Godhemahadev, Malikathata, and Tamti, was a significant step in providing crucial information about this species' distribution and favored habitats (Bhatta et al., 2014). With only 10,000 mature individuals surviving, the Red panda is classified as endangered on the IUCN Red List and it is chiefly threatened by forest loss as a consequence of the pressure from a growing population (Dorji et al., 2012). A European Endangered Species Programme (EEP) was launched in 1985, and as a result of improved breeding practices, the Red pandas' population start to rise in the world (Kappelhof and Weerman, 2020). ...
One of the world's most appealing species is the Red Panda (Ailurus fulgens). Red pandas were earlier extensively distributed around Eurasia, but they're still only found in Nepal, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, and China. The pandas had a high fatality rate and minimal reproduction (usually one cub/female/year). The red panda is the only species of its kind in the world that is still living in the inaccessible Tibetan cultural sites including Langtang and other Himalayan slopes, rendering its protection vital to the preservation of Nepal's natural assets and the world's biodiversity.
... They live in bamboounderstory temperate broadleaf woods (Acharya et al., 2018). Red pandas are said to like locations with dense forest (tree canopy cover of over 30%), a lot of bamboo cover (>37%), bamboo height (2.9 m), and are located within 100 to 200 meters of water sources (Dorji et al., 2012;Pradhan et al., 2001a). These creatures have been discovered in regions with yearly rainfall averaging 3500 millimeters and temperatures between 10 and 25 degrees Celsius (Lama, 2019). ...
... The study performed in May 2013 in three Village Development Committees (VDCs) in the Jumla district namely, Godhemahadev, Malikathata, and Tamti, was a significant step in providing crucial information about this species' distribution and favored habitats (Bhatta et al., 2014). With only 10,000 mature individuals surviving, the Red panda is classified as endangered on the IUCN Red List and it is chiefly threatened by forest loss as a consequence of the pressure from a growing population (Dorji et al., 2012). A European Endangered Species Programme (EEP) was launched in 1985, and as a result of improved breeding practices, the Red pandas' population start to rise in the world (Kappelhof and Weerman, 2020). ...
... Similarly, the evidences and sign of the predators along transect and within the sample grid was also recorded to know the presence of natural predators of red panda in respective vegetation stratum. 25m radius circular plot were laid for the red panda sign recording (Dorji, Vernes and Rajaratnam 2012;Dendup et al., 2016;Dendup et al., 2018;Dendup et al., 2020). ...
... In 2011 red panda was reported to be present only in 13 districts [17] and later in 2019, it was confirmed from 17 districts [18]. Our current review of information and data Generally, red panda prefers elevation within the range of 2800À3900 m [19] but there were reports of the species being sighted at elevations as low as 1525 m asl [20] and as high as 4325 m asl [21]. ...
... Red panda conservation in Bhutan has strong legal protection with the species being listed under Schedule I of the FNCA 1995 [12]. The species is also culturally associated with local communities with some people believing it is an incarnation of the Buddhist monk [17]. However, conservation actions exclusively oriented towards red panda conservation in Bhutan are limited. ...
... Because Bhutan's temperate forests that encompass prime red panda habitat are also integral to human subsistence and socioeconomic development, there exists an inadvertent conflict between the needs of people and red pandas [13]. As such anthropogenic threats induced by forest resource extraction, livestock grazing, and developmental activities such as power transmission lines and roads are a major threat to red panda habitat in Bhutan [14,15,17,36]. All these threats lead to habitat loss and degradation. ...
Red panda Ailurus fulgens is a threatened mammalian species endemic to the eastern Himalayas. In Bhutan, the red panda is distributed across the country’s temperate forests, covering 19 of the 20 districts within an elevation range of 1500–4300 m, with potential habitat of 10,971.2 km², which is 28.57% of the total country area. The country’s Forests and Nature Conservation Act 1995 strictly protects the species by listing the red panda under Schedule I and cultural values build reverence and protection to the species by local communities. Yet, conservation actions and research are limited and anthropogenic threats are on the rise which makes the red panda vulnerable in its natural habitat. Mitigating the threats, enhancing awareness education and building scientific knowledge on the red panda through research will help strengthen the conservation of the red panda in Bhutan.
... Moreover, at the 15 th session of the Conference of Parties (COP15) of United Nation Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) held in Copenhagen in 2009, Bhutan committed to remaining carbon neutral for reasons of intergenerational equity (GNHC & United Nationals Development Programme [UNDP], 2011). To achieve these visions and aspirations, education is considered a key component among a range of efforts to remediate the threats (Dolkar et al., 2013;Dorji et al., 2012). Dolkar et al. (2013) claimed that environmental policies and government acts are inadequate for environmental conservation because although people may possess knowledge about environmental policies and laws, they do not necessarily comply with them. ...
... Bhutan is part of eight ecoregions, twenty-three important bird areas, important plant areas and wetlands with three Ramsar areas -Phobjikha, Khothokha and Bumdeling [17] [21].The constitution of the Royal Kingdom of Bhutan mandates to keep 60 percent of its land under forest cover for all time to come [28], the current land under forest cover is 71 percent [5]. More than half (51.44 percent) of the land is protected under National Parks (5), Wildlife Sanctuaries (4), Strict Nature Reserve (1), and biological corridors connecting different protected areas [6]. The country currently hosts 11,248 species within all taxa (figure 1) including the Black-necked Crane (Grusnigricollis), Great Hornbill (Bucerosbicornis), Rufousnecked Hornbill (Acerosnipalensis), White-bellied Heron (Ardeainsignis), Snow Leopard (Pantherauncia), Takin (Budorcastaxicolorwhitei), Chinese Pangolin (Manispentadactyla), Bhutan Swallowtail (Bhutanitisludlowi) and Blue Poppy (Meconopsisbhutanica) that are globally threatened [20] [21]. ...
Bhutan lies to the East of Himalaya and it hosts around 11,248 species in all taxa. Bhutan's lush and green forest covers 71 percent of land which comes under the five National Parks, four Wildlife Sanctuaries, 1 Strict Nature Reserve, Community Forests and biological corridors connecting different protected areas. More than half (51.44 percent) is protected by law and activities are restricted under certain circumstances. It is home to Takin (Budorcastaxicolorwhitei), White-bellied Heron (Ardeainsignis), Black-necked Crane (Grusnigricollis), Red Panda (Ailurusfulgens), Great Hornbill (Bucerosbicornis) and Chinese Pangolin (Manispentadactyla) that are globally threatened.Bhutan contributed around 23 new species between 2017 and 2020 which were new to science, and Bhutan's biodiversity holds immense opportunities for researchers and environmental scientists as its biodiversity is in early stage of discovery.To date, Bhutan records 1 species as Extinct (EX), 1 species as Extinct in the Wild (EW) and 134 species as Vulnerable (VU), Endangered (EN) and Critically Endangered (CR) under International Union of Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. This paper aims to report a checklist of globally threatened species listed in IUCN Red List of Threatened Species from Bhutan. The paper also lists down the new species that were discovered in Bhutan since 2017. More researchers are needed to discover new species from Bhutan's rich and lush forest.
... The constitution of the Royal Kingdom of Bhutan mandates to keep 60 percent of its land under forest cover for all time to come [28], the current land under forest cover is 71 percent [5]. More than half (51.44 percent) of the land is protected under National Parks (5), Wildlife Sanctuaries (4), Strict Nature Reserve (1), and biological corridors connecting different protected areas [6]. The country currently hosts 11,248 species within all taxa (figure 1) including the Black-necked Crane (Grus nigricollis), Great Hornbill (Buceros bicornis), Rufous-necked Hornbill (Aceros nipalensis), White-bellied Heron (Ardea insignis), Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia), Takin (Budorcas taxicolor whitei), Chinese Pangolin (Manis pentadactyla), Bhutan Swallowtail (Bhutanitis ludlowi) and Blue Poppy (Meconopsis bhutanica) that are globally threatened [20]. ...
Bhutan lies to the East of Himalaya and it hosts around 11,248 species in all taxa. Bhutan's lush and green forest covers 71 percent of land which comes under the five National Parks, four Wildlife Sanctuaries, 1 Strict Nature Reserve, Community Forests and biological corridors connecting different protected areas. More than half (51.44 percent) is protected by law and activities are restricted under certain circumstances. It is home to Takin (Budorcas taxicolor whitei), White-bellied Heron (Ardea insignis), Black-necked Crane (Grus nigricollis), Red Panda (Ailurus fulgens), Great Hornbill (Buceros bicornis) and Chinese Pangolin (Manis pentadactyla) that are globally threatened. Bhutan contributed around 23 new species between 2017 and 2020 which were new to science, and Bhutan's biodiversity holds immense opportunities for researchers and environmental scientists as its biodiversity is in early stage of discovery. To date, Bhutan records 1 species as Extinct (EX), 1 species as Extinct in the Wild (EW) and 134 species as Vulnerable (VU), Endangered (EN) and Critically Endangered (CR) under International Union of Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. This paper aims to report a checklist of globally threatened species listed in IUCN Red List of Threatened Species from Bhutan. The paper also lists down the new species that were discovered in Bhutan since 2017. More researchers are needed to discover new species from Bhutan's rich and lush forest.
