An Overview of the Status and Conservation Initiatives of Red Panda Ailurus fulgens (Cuvier, 1825) in Nepal

Bista, Damber; Paudel, Rajiv

doi:10.3126/init.v5i0.10268

Cited by 12 publications

(9 citation statements)

References 4 publications

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“…Observation of tree stumps (105.27/ha) and looped trees (135.16/ha) shows active deforestation and habitat degradation around these herder sheds. The dogs these herders use to guard their livestock sometimes kill red pandas and other associated wildlife [ 43 , 44 , 45 ]. The transfer of livestock diseases to red pandas is also a danger [ 46 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Distribution and habitat use of red panda in the Chitwan-Annapurna Landscape of Nepal

Bista¹,

Shrestha²,

Sherpa³

et al. 2017

PLoS ONE

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In Nepal, the red panda (Ailurus fulgens) has been sparsely studied, although its range covers a wide area. The present study was carried out in the previously untapped Chitwan-Annapurna Landscape (CHAL) situated in central Nepal with an aim to explore current distributional status and identify key habitat use. Extensive field surveys conducted in 10 red panda range districts were used to estimate species distribution by presence-absence occupancy modeling and to predict distribution by presence-only modeling. The presence of red pandas was recorded in five districts: Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Myagdi, Baglung and Dhading. The predictive distribution model indicated that 1,904.44 km2 of potential red panda habitat is available in CHAL with the protected area covering nearly 41% of the total habitat. The habitat suitability analysis based on the probability of occurrence showed only 16.58% (A = 315.81 km2) of the total potential habitat is highly suitable. Red Panda occupancy was estimated to be around 0.0667, indicating nearly 7% (218 km2) of the total habitat is occupied with an average detection probability of 0.4482±0.377. Based on the habitat use analysis, altogether eight variables including elevation, slope, aspect, proximity to water sources, bamboo abundance, height, cover, and seasonal precipitation were observed to have significant roles in the distribution of red pandas. In addition, 25 tree species were documented from red panda sign plots out of 165 species recorded in the survey area. Most common was Betula utilis followed by Rhododendron spp. and Abies spectabilis. The extirpation of red pandas in previously reported areas indicates a need for immediate action for the long-term conservation of this species in CHAL.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Distribution and habitat use of red panda in the Chitwan-Annapurna Landscape of Nepal

Bista¹,

Shrestha²,

Sherpa³

et al. 2017

PLoS ONE

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“…Broadleaved open/closed forests, needle-leaved open/ closed forests were extracted from the land cover map of Nepal (Uddin et al 2015). Although, sightings from lower elevations have also been recorded (e.g., at 2,210 m in Ilam, eastern Nepal; Bista et al 2013), we used the elevation range of 2,800-3,900 m considering the sighting ranges of Red Panda in LNP. Preferred aspects (West, north, north-east, north-west) were extracted from the aspect map prepared out of the DEM using a surface analysis tool in GIS.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

On the impact of earthquake-induced landslides on Red Panda Ailurus fulgens (Mammalia: Carnivora: Ailuridae) habitat in Langtang National Park, Nepal

et al. 2021

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In addition to the threats of human encroachment, infrastructure development, tourism activities, habitat fragmentation, and human-wildlife interactions, natural disasters also pose a threat to the habitat of endangered species such as the Red Panda. This study aims to assess the impact of the 2015 Gorkha earthquake-induced landslides on the Red Panda’s habitat in Langtang National Park (LNP), central Nepal Himalaya. Remote sensing and geographical information system were applied to estimate the potential and core habitats of the Red Panda, and collect information on earthquake-induced landslides. Field sampling and verification of remotely collected data were done within a year of the earthquake. Considering preferred vegetation types, elevation range, aspects, distance from water sources, and Red Panda presence points, an area of 214.34 km2 was estimated as the potential habitat of Red Panda in the Park. Thirty-nine landslides were identified in LNP triggered by the Gorkha earthquake, 14 of which occurred in the core Red Panda habitat. As a result of the earthquake-induced landslides, a significant decrease in tree density was observed in the areas affected by the landslides. Similarly, the bamboo cover was observed to be significantly lower in the areas affected by landslides compared to the unaffected adjacent areas. The average size of the landslide, causing damage to the Red Panda habitat was 0.8 ha. The potential habitat damaged by the earthquake-induced landslide was estimated to be 11.20 ha which is equivalent to the habitat required by one Red Panda. The findings could be useful in initiating restoration of the damaged Red Panda habitat in LNP.

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“…A similar study conducted in eastern and central Nepal showed the forests dominated by Betula utilis, Rhododendron spp., and Abies spp. with bamboo in the understory to be the most preferable plant species by the Himalayan Red Panda (Bista & Paudel 2013;Bista et al 2017).…”

confidence: 99%

The endangered Himalayan Red Panda: first photographic evidence from its westernmost distribution range

Shrestha¹,

Lama²,

Sherpa³

et al. 2021

J. Threat. Taxa

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An endangered species, the Himalayan Red Panda Ailurus fulgens is one of the most iconic and sought-after species in the world. Although a symbolic species of the Himalayas, it is threatened by habitat loss, fragmentation, and poaching. The data collection was carried out in accordance with the Red Panda community-based monitoring protocol. Threats to the Himalayan Red Panda within the study area are reported based on key informant interviews and direct field observation. This paper provides new evidence for the presence of Himalayan Red Pandas beyond their previously-known westernmost limit (81.687778°E) across its distribution range. An average encounter rate of 0.92 signs/km was recorded from the surveyed community forests. Trees were the most preferred substrates used for defecation. Extensive resource collection, poaching, overgrazing and forest fires are identified as some of the most significant threats. In general, the study contributes to the conservation of the Himalayan Red Panda in western distribution ranges.

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An Overview of the Status and Conservation Initiatives of Red Panda Ailurus fulgens (Cuvier, 1825) in Nepal

Abstract: The existing status of Red Panda Ailurus fulgens in

Cited by 12 publications

References 4 publications

Distribution and habitat use of red panda in the Chitwan-Annapurna Landscape of Nepal

Distribution and habitat use of red panda in the Chitwan-Annapurna Landscape of Nepal

On the impact of earthquake-induced landslides on Red Panda Ailurus fulgens (Mammalia: Carnivora: Ailuridae) habitat in Langtang National Park, Nepal

The endangered Himalayan Red Panda: first photographic evidence from its westernmost distribution range

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