From its habitat of temperate forests to its adorable looks, the red panda is considered a flagship species for its home: the Eastern Himalayas.
By protecting these environmental-ambassadors, other species are likely to benefit too.
The Eastern Himalayas are considered a biodiversity hotspot. Home to iconic animals like Asian elephants, greater one-horned rhinos, Bengal tigers, clouded and snow leopards; unique species like Chinese pangolins, takin, and Ganges River dolphins; numerous bird species including pheasants and rufous-necked hornbills along with many other varieties of animals and plants.
This region is also home to millions of people.
As the human population grows, so does the need for space and resources, often resulting in unsustainable harvesting of forest resources and conversion of natural habitat to agricultural land.
Habitat loss is among the greatest threats to wildlife—and red pandas are certainly no exception.
Red pandas are listed as endangered, and the destruction of their forest homes is considered the biggest threat to their survival. The global red panda population has declined about 50% in the past 20 years and as few as 2,500 adults may remain in the wild.
Red Panda Network’s educational and sustainable livelihood programs are empowering local communities in Nepal to protect their forests. Since it was launched in 2019, Red Panda Network’s “Plant a Red Panda Home” project has helped plant nearly 50,000 trees in habitat crucial for the survival of these one-of-a-kind creatures. The mission is to restore habitats to create “biological corridors“ that reconnect fragmented forests.
Protecting red pandas, means protecting the forests in which they live.
To learn more about red pandas and the work being done to protect them and their habitat, visit the Red Panda Network
Art By Breah 