Unfortunately, red pandas as a species are under threat. With population numbers on a downward spiral and the species itself at risk, it’s never been more important to act and support worldwide conservation efforts wherever possible.
Due to several threats including habitat loss, human interference and poaching the red panda is an ‘at risk’ species. Although they are adored and an incredibly popular animal this hasn’t stopped the population declining by 40% over the last 20 years. If we don’t work together to save this species, it’s expected that the population decline will continue over the coming years.
Red pandas are legally protected in several regions across the world including India, China, Nepal, Myanmar, and Bhutan, these places are the most common for red pandas to be found.
People all over the world are doing their bit to support the species, but there are several large organisations and groups working to protect the red panda and increase population numbers, including:
As around 38% of the red panda’s habitat is found in Nepal, the WWF are working with local yak herders as well as other community groups to help reduce the impact that humans are having on the red panda’s habitat. This includes time in jail and/or a fine for anybody that is found buying, selling, or killing a red panda.
The Red Panda Network is one of the world’s leading red panda protection groups whose conservation programs extend to over 1,000,000 acres of forest and 50% of Nepal’s red panda range. They support this species through several ways including preservation of the red panda habitat which involves having people actively working in project areas in Nepal to protect the fragile habitat that the red panda can thrive in. They are also actively working to grow the areas that the red panda can survive by plant a red panda home initiative. The group are also building anti-poaching networks with locals to minimise the impact of humans on the red panda population.
It’s important that we all work together to protect all species of animals throughout the world, but when the main causes of population decreases are led by humans, we must work especially hard to stop this. There are certain species that are impacted by factors outside of our direct control such as changes in climate or an increase in predators in the area. Although we should still do all that we can to support these animals, however when humans are causing a threat to a species’ existence through deforestation and loss of habitat, hunting, poaching, or more then we must act fast.
With the red panda population decreasing at an alarming rate, it is now estimated that there are 10,000 or fewer remaining across the world. This figure has decreased dramatically over recent decades and unless we all act soon this will only continue to.
Unfortunately, the red panda is classified as an endangered species.
The red panda has become an endangered species due to several reasons including a growth in agriculture in their natural habitat which, alongside logging and deforestation, has led to a decrease in their liveable environment. Human behaviour is also to blame because of hunting, poaching and with many red pandas being killed from traps laid for other animals.
They have been listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List since 2008.
Yes. With population numbers alarmingly low there is a possibility that without successful conservation efforts the red panda could become extinct.
You can support the conservation of the red panda in several ways:
There are several organisations working tirelessly to protect the red panda, many of which rely on donations to fund their projects.
Many zoos and wildlife parks will offer a red panda adoption package to help with the conservation efforts of their very own animals.
This is one of the most important things that we can all do. By raising awareness of the dangers and threats facing the red panda population we can begin to work together to grow their habitat and put a stop to their declining population.
Find out more about red pandas in our ultimate guide to this amazing species. You can also help with the conservation of the red pandas at Paradise Wildlife Park with our adopt an animal today or come and see our very own animals with our red panda experience!
