Endangered animals, Red Panda

 
Other Names: Lesser Panda  
Scientific Name: Ailurus fulgens
Conservation Status: Vulnerable  
Body Length: 50–64 cm  
Weight: 3–6 kg  
Gestation: 110–145 days  
Number of young: 1–2
Distribution: Nepal, India, south-west China, Laos, Myanmar, Bhutan  
 Habitat: Forest

Description: The Red Panda is a reddish-brown colour with white ear rims, cheeks, muzzle and spots above the eyes. Its tail is about 18–50 cm long with alternating light and dark rings. Red Pandas have a false thumb on each hand which helps them to hold onto bamboo stems and leaves and have partially retractable claws which help them to climb. Their paws are completely covered with fur,even underneath.


 The name ‘Red Panda’ came from Nepalese word ‘Nigalya ponya or Habre’ which mean ‘Bamboo Eater’. It is also known as the ‘Lesser Panda’ or ‘Red Cat Beer’ or ‘Shining Cat’. The Red Panda is one of the endangered species of animal. The fame and popularity of the Red Panda has grown from its unique appearance and from the fact that the press in several countries has devoted much attention to the fate of pandas in various Zoos in the world.
The Red Panda is mainly found in temperate forests in the Himalayas (2,200m-4,800m) altitude inhabiting areas of moderate temperature (10c°-250c°). Especially, The Red Panda ranges from in the foothills of Nepal, in the west to China in the east or southern china (Sichuan and Yunnan). It also found in the northern Inda, southern Tibet, Bhutan and in the northern mountains of Myanmar. It prefers mountains mixed deciduous and conifer forests, especially with old trees and dense understory of Bamboo. It is an excellent climber and forages largely in trees. It is specialized as a bamboo feeder with strange, curved and sharp semi-retractile claws, standing in word for grasping of narrow trees branches leaves and fruit. It also used to eat berries, fruits, mushrooms, roots, acorns, lichen and grasses too. Occasionally it eats rides, fish, eggs, small rodents and insects.
The Red Panda is one of the endangered animals of the world. It is classified as vulnerable in the IUCNs’ red list (2009.01) and is  
included in CITIES appendix. The numbers of Red Pandas are decreasing day to day. Because of deforestation, illegal hunting and lack of awareness. So that, accurate population figures in the wild are difficult to find, with estimates ranging from 11,000 to 20,000 world wide. It is rare and continues to decline. However IUCN and government had classified it endangered and vulnerable animal even they are unable to pay proper attention towards it.
Red Panda Himalayan Adventure Pvt.Ltd. is one of the trekking, tours and travels company. However its main concern is to preserve, promote and develop Red Panda as well as tourism. We decided to conduct awareness programme for Red Panda as well as tourism. We think that, trekking, tours and travels are the best way to conduct awareness programme all over the world to save it from being verge of extension.