Endangered Red Pandas In Nepalby Prayash Pathak (Chalise) | 21-05-2018 02:39 |
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The Red Panda is a herbivorous animal that is native to the Himalayas of Nepal and southern China. Red Pandas have a bear like body and thick russet fur. Their belly and limbs are black with white markings on the head and eyes. They also have thick fur on their sole mainly to protect from the cold weather. They are considered very skilful and acrobatic animals which primarily stay on the trees. They usually use their long til to balance their movements in the trees. They like to eat bamboo and are solitary creatures. It has also been found eating variety of other foods like fruits, nuts, eggs, flowers and seeds. In Nepal it has been found in Langtang, Sagarmatha, Makalu Barun and Rara National Park, Annapurna Conservation Area, Kanchanjunga Conservation Area and Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve. The IUCN has listed Red Panda as an endangered animal as its population has declined by 50% over the last 18 years. The main causes of this is due to hunting and poaching. They have been killed for wild meat, for medicine and for skins. Deforestation and scarcity of fodder are also decreasing their population every year. Their greatest threat is mankind. It has been found that many of the red pandas do not reach their adulthood first. So, to sum up we need to ascertain the protection of this species. This can be done mainly by enforcing and strengthening the existing laws and regulations. Strong and effective protection from hunters and poachers is to be done. Illegal trade should be stopped. |