Table of Contents
Summary
An opening
Goals
Techniques
The findings
Distribution of Population and Habitats
The diet and feeding habits
Dangers
Ways of Preserving Nature
Talking
Original: Reflection
Paraphrased: Contemplation
In conclusion
Sources
Summary
Ailurus.fulgens, red panda, is an individual animal in the carnivora group. They only have one species and are likely to be classified as monotypic. Their total population is unknown, although they can be found from Mugu-Ilam district in Nepal within eight protected areas. Their preferred habitat, which is dominated by bamboo and evergreen deciduous forests, is located at an altitude of between 2,400m and 3,600m. This area has abundant fallen logs. Red pandas eat 54-100% bamboo leaves, with other foods like bamboo shoots and Sorbus fruit. They are vulnerable to various anthropogenic factors, including predation from leopards and a low-quality diet. Red pandas are most at risk from habitat fragmentation, deforestation, degradation, poaching and over grazing, overexploitation of forest resources, development activities and wild dogs. Red panda is protected by the National Park and Wildlife Conservation Act of 1973. Choyatar Community Forest is an example of a community-based conservation program. Red panda conservation plans are only available in Langtang National Park. Due to the species’ vulnerability to extinction, it is important that a specific conservation and management program be developed with the active participation and support of the local population.
Introduction The Red Panda Ailurus Fulgens is an arboreal mammal that is the only species in both Ailurus and Ailuridae. It is listed as a vulnerable mammal by the IUCN. It can be found in eastern Himalaya’s bamboo-dominated temperate forest (Sharma & Belant, 2009). It is a fascinating mammal that has attracted scientists and researchers alike, but little has been known about it. The unique taxonomic attributes make it a favourite animal for zoo visitors. It is unclear whether this animal belonged to giant pandas Ailuropoda melanoleuca Ailuropoda procyonids, bears or procyonids. Red pandas in the wild are not known to be protected by any other zoos. Around 157 red-pandas were found in 43 zoos worldwide in 1988. Because it lives in difficult terrains, the exact number of wild red pandas is not known. It has been estimated that there are between 13,000 and 16,000 of them. Red pandas are silent and both diurnal or nocturnal. The bamboo eater is a semi-retractile, strong clawed bamboo eater. The animal’s age may impact the range of red pandas or their density. A sub-adult male 8 months old occupies 3.4km2, while an adult female occupies 0.91km2 Wolong Reservation, China. Red pandas are dependent on their habitat. They may need to be close to water in order for them to thrive. Red pandas may require habitat in the form of pellets at distances of between 0 and 100m.
Many species depend on red pandas for their survival, as well as the people who live in the mountains. Red pandas can be found within a narrow area of Himalaya range. They are found from Mugu District in western Nepal. This shows that there are no distribution limits between Annapurna region of Nepal in the west, and Qingling mountain in the east (Ziegler und al. 2010, 2010). The studies were not conducted in Nepal so it is difficult to determine the status of pandas based on the literature. Pralad Yonzon, a late conservation biologist, was first to study red pandas in Nepal’s mid hills. He also studied the conservation of red-pandas in Lantang National Park. In Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve, a study was done on red pandas’ summer diet, habitat distribution, and abundance. Additionally, red pandas in the eastern Nepal protected area have been assessed. There are few organizations, such as NCDC, RPN, and ICIMOD, that work together with local participants to conserve and protect red panda’s habitat and habitat. The study has two objectives. It aims at understanding the conservation status and threats faced by the red-panda in Nepal. The study also attempts to understand the ecology of the red paddy, which helps us to determine its habitat, distribution pattern and diet as well as feeding habits and population size. Methods This study was based entirely on secondary data sources. To find the relevant information, literature review was performed. Searches were made using internet search engines, such as Google scholar or ISI webofknowledge. During the study, the website and publications of various organizations, such as Red Panda Network and ICIMOD, National Trust for Nature Conservation and (NTNC), World Wildlife Fund or others, were examined. The literatures were searched using many keywords, such as Red Panda in Nepal, Ailurus, Ailurus Fullgens Fulgens, Red Panda, Eastern Himalaya, Threats, Conservation of Red Panda. Results Population Distribution & HabitatsRed pandas can be found in many habitats. They prefer habitats with abundant tree stumps and fallen logs. There are eight protected areas for red pandas in Nepal: Annapurna Conservation Area and Kangchenjunga Conservation Area. Manaslu Conservation Area. Langtang National Park. Makalu-Barun National Park. Rara National Park. Sagarmatha National Park. Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve. Mahato, 2012; Yonzon, 1989. You can also find it in Ilam’s Jamuna VDC and Mabhu VDC, eastern Nepal.
Red pandas can be very difficult to see in the wild. Studies are made based on whether pellets are available and how many people walk along trails. Yonzon & Hunter Jr. 1991 identified the preferred habitats for red pandas in Langtang National Park. They found it to be firjhapra. It has an altitudinal range between 2,800m and 3,900m. Ghose et. al., 2009, showed that the red pandas were only found in the Sikkim National Park, India. The red panda population was found throughout the Singhalila National Park of India. However, the red pandas encountered red pandas in the broad-leaf deciduous forest and sub-alpine forest of the Altitudinal Range of 2,800-3 600m.
The Red panda population status was determined by Yonzon Hunter Jr.’s 1991 Langtang National Park study. In October 1986, there were 8 adults and 5 in 1988. The study revealed that one set of twins was observed and four single births. However, the percentage of fecund males was high and so was the rate of cub mortality. Only one cub survived from September 1986 to Dec 1986. This compares with 86% for the entire cohort. 5 or 6 cubs died. The same happened in 1987 with 67% of the cohort. 4 cubs perished and only 2 survived October. The adult mortality rate was also high. Only 4 of 9 adults were killed in 1987. Leopard predated humans and killed two adults and one child. A cub then died from starvation. Two other cubs also died of human disturbances. Based on ecological density, 37 adults are estimated based upon a single adult panda/2.9km2. Similar to Langtang National Park’s 1adult/1.67km2, Singhalila National Park’s crude red panda density was also 1adult/1.67km2, a relatively higher number than Langtang National Park’s 1adult/2.9km2. The site had abundance of bamboos, water resources and was home to pellet groups. However, they were more common in Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve where they occur at 3,000m-3,000m. Red panda pellets were also found at different elevations, from 3,117m through 3,591m. These pellets were seen more frequently between 3,200m-3,350m and then constant to 3,400m. In Rara National Park, however there were no pellets located above 3,591m nor below 3,100m (Sharma 2011). Jamuna community forest and Mabhu had red panda signs at 2,500m and 3,000m. They were observed at 0.56/km, 2.44/km, 2,600-2.800m and 5.1/km, respectively (Williams 2004, Williams). The encounter of red pandas or pellets was most common on trees that were found in different geographical or physiographic regions. Pinus wallichina and Quercus semicarpefolia are some of the tree species.
Red panda’s feeding and diet habits are difficult to determine in the wild. Therefore, fresh droppings are used to analyze their food and eating habits. They are a carnivore, which means they eat mainly bamboo shoots and Sorbus fruits. Sometimes they even eat eggs from birds.
Langtang National Park’s red pandas eat mostly leaves of a single bamboo species, jhapra (Himalayacalamus falseri). This low-quality diet may explain why they are only active for 56% of the day and night. The red panda found in Singhalila National Park also ate Arundinaria maling, Arundinaria arista, fruits Arundinaria strigosa as well as bamboo shoots. This is in contrast to Arundinaria alistata, bamboo shoots, Sorbus microphylla berries (Pradhan, et.al., 2001). The diet of red pandas in Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve included six plant species. 2.5% was not possible to identify. Arundinaria, Quercus semicarpifolia (81.7%), Acer (4.5%) Berberis (2.1%) and Lichens (2%) were the identified species. Arundinaria, sps 58% consumed the stem, while 23.75% the leaves. Red Pandas have short alimentary channels so they defecate quickly after meals. Red Pandas eat a low-calorie diet and eat a lot of food. They will often reach for higher objects such as trees stumps, branches, or fallen logs in order to obtain bamboo leaves. They will run through the trees or ground looking for food. Threats. Red pandas are not a reliable species (Ziegler und al., 2010,). They are in danger of disappearing due to habitat fragmentation, deforestation, natural habitat degradation and destruction, poaching and illegal trading of their fur and hats as pets or zoo animals. Habitat fragmentation could also threaten the species’ ability to breed and then eventually lose their genetic variation (Mahato et al., 2012). Poaching, establishment and grazing of Goths were all threats that were seen in Sighalila National Park. But this area was made a national park after 1993.
Yonzon, Hunter Jr., 1991 Langtang National Park study shows that red pandas have low fertility and high mortality. They discovered that 57% died due to human involvement in cattle herdering, overgrazing, and possibly dogs. Although the competition for food is not important, chauri eats bamboo leaves at lower heights than red pandas. However, they trampled and ate the shorter stalks of bamboos which reduced their growth. This ultimately threatens their existence. They are also more at risk of being preyed upon by leopards because they rely on jhapra leaves. Subedi and Thapa (2011) found that seasonal overgrazing in forested areas by large numbers of livestock creates disturbance and destroys red panda habitat. The red panda threat is also posed by illegal trapping and illegal timber and firewood logging. Red panda and domesticated animals are in constant food competition due to the illegal collection of bamboo shoots. According to the study, there are 3,500 buffaloes in the reserve. There are also 25,000 cows, 3,500 horse and 70,000 sheep that graze in the area. This has direct impacts on red panda’s habitat. Similar results were also shown in the Rara National Park study. People were involved in illegal grazing within the park, collection of tree trunks, and harvesting nigalo for fodder or raw materials. This poses a risk to red pandas (Sharma 2011, 2011). Jamuna VDCs Mabhu and Ilam also have problems with red pandas being killed by their dogs. The threat groups were finally grouped at seven categories in the workshop that NTNC conducted from 2-6 Sept 2010. They were indeed.
There are many human-caused habitat degradations: overgrazing, collection or firewoods, fodder.
For fur, skin, or meat, poaching is a crime.
Infrastructural development activities such as road and hydropower construction have an impact on the environment. They also affect other species, pesticides, and eco-tourists or pilgrim visitors.
Inadequate implementation and enforcement, poor governance, political instability
Inadequacy of education, awareness, funds, and expertise.
Climate change, flooding, landslides, outbursts and irregular precipitation are all effects of climate change.
Other transboundary disputes related to illegal forest product harvesting, illegal trading and poaching
Conservation Approaches Nepal has established several protected areas. This includes 10 national park, 4 conservation areas, 3 wildlife reserve, 1 hunting reserves, and 13 buffers zones. This represents almost 20% of all land. 2,000,000 hectares in biodiversity conservation (Jana Paudel et al., 2010). Red panda protection in Nepal is provided by the 1973 National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act. An effective conservation strategy requires a solid management approach. This plan is what guides conservation efforts in the future. Recently approved Red Panda Action Plans for Langtang National Park & Buffer zone 2010-2014 demonstrates that the Government of Nepal has been involved with long-term Species Conservation Action Plans. Strong community participation has been a key factor in Nepal’s success in conservations. Program for managing and utilizing forests within a community. Red panda have been protected in Choyatar’s community forest, Jamuna VDC and Ilam by Choyatar CFUG. Red panda have been restricted from moving freely within the forest. This is to reduce human disturbance. Conservation programs are supported by many other strategies and approaches. RPN started the school outreach program in order to train future stewards. Choyatar was responsible for habitat improvements, restoration of waterholes and plantation in the forest area in order to maintain forest connectivity. It also involved locals in raising awareness about species conservation and their importance. The importance of other livelihood strategies and the alternative energy use to reduce dependence on wood products was also stressed. Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Project was established recently with the cooperation of DNPWC, WWF, Nepal, and WWF, Nepal. This project focuses on protecting the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area’s unique environment and improving the livelihood standards of local residents (MullerBoker & Kollmair 2000). Because of the threat to globally important species, conservation efforts in Kanchenjunga have been centered on transboundary conservation strategies in order to preserve the habitat corridors.
Discussion While conservation strategies vary between areas, there has not been a long-term plan or effective conservation strategy for red panda conservation. There is no management plan for Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve. It is important to have a solid management plan. This should include policies, local involvement, as well as the quota of animals allowed to graze in Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve. Rara National Park should have a revised, scientific management plan that focuses on sustainable use and capacity building. Red pandas can be conserved if they are protected through education and local involvement. Global Red Panda Management Programme can also be used to help save red pandas in Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, which has similar ecological and climatic conditions. The transboundary approach allows for the conservation of the animal, which is more effective than trying to preserve it in a particular area (Pradhan and co. 2001). A Global Red Panda Management Programme in India initiated a breeding program in the early 90?s. In 2003, two females of the zoo were reintroduced at Singhalila National Park. The first one died from predation, while another started reproducing with wild padas.
Kanchenjunga Landscape is home to many threatened species. It is also a place where humans have regular conflicts. Habitat fragmentation, illegal harvesting bamboo shoots and other NTPFs, and poaching are all major problems for them (Oli 2008). This cannot be controlled unless ecological corridors are preserved through transboundary methods.
Williams (2003) explains in his study how red pandas need water close to their den and a mature canopy for breeding. Red pandas are also considered an indicator species of Eastern Himalayan Broadleaf Coniferous Forest. Despite this, much is still unknown about the microhabitat. Red pandas are also critically endangered due to high mortality, predation by domestic and feral dogs, leopards and unsustainable forest resource harvesting and development activities. Red panda conservation will be made easier by a thorough study of its micro habitat and the creation of a conservation plan that includes strong local participation. Conclusion Red panda is difficult to find in nature so Yonzon and Hunter Jr. 1991 conducted extensive surveys and interviews. They also collected, analyzed, and observed red pandas at Langtang National Park. There is a lot of fir-jhapara, which is why the pellets were collected. William, 2004, was also found in the Ilam elevation range between 2500-3000m. The animal is a carnivore and eats mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and Sorbus fruit. Red panda is a keystone species that has a narrow habitat range. It can only be found in the eastern Himalayan region. It is important to manage this species properly and protect it. Red panda, despite its small population and poor distribution of habitat in remote and difficult terrain, is still poorly understood (Sharma 2011). Studies have shown that the main threats to red panda are human encroachment and illegal hunting. While Nepal is the first to create a long-term Species Conservation Action Plan. (Poudel, 2011,) The Langtang National Park Red Panda Action Plan is the only one that has been formulated. Rara National Park does not have a conservation plan. This requires an extensive study on the habitat selection, behavior of its population, distribution, threats, conservation status, and preparation of a conservation and management planning. Citations
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