Dhorpatan. The challenge in the conservation of the endangered red panda is increasing in Dhorpatan, Nepal’s only wildlife reserve. The challenge in conservation has increased as the habitat of the red panda is disappearing.
Red pandas live in reed bushes and eat their shoots. However, in recent times, the risk of red pandas becoming endangered due to deforestation and fires has increased, and stakeholders have shown concern.
According to Sagar Subedi, ranger of Dhorpatan Wildlife Reserve, Dhorpatan has the largest number of red pandas in the country. He said that although there has not been a census yet, there are around 300 red pandas in the game reserve.
Subedi said that the number of red pandas was very low in a survey conducted by the game reserve in 2074 BS, and it is estimated that there are around 200 to 300 now. He said that he has requested the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation for a red panda census.
He informed that red pandas have been found in the Falgune, Surtibang, Sundaha, Barse, Bhustung, Dogadi and Seng blocks of the Dhorpatan Game Reserve. Subedi says that red pandas are seen in greater numbers now than before.
‘Until 2072 BS, red pandas were sporadic in Dhorpatan. During the survey in 2074 BS, red pandas were found in all blocks. Now they are found in many places in dense numbers,’ he said. ‘We estimate that there are around 300 red pandas in Dhorpatan now, which is more than the number in national parks across the country.’
Saroj Panthi, head of the Division Forest Office, said that apart from the hunting reserve area, red pandas are also found in the upper forest areas of Baglung. He said that the challenges in its conservation have increased due to increasing fires, deforestation and population density. Panthi said that the local government should be aware of the need to protect the red panda and make the locals aware.
Red pandas are found especially in the high hilly and mountainous areas east of Karnali. Currently, red pandas are found only in 23 mountainous and hilly districts of the country. He said that it is necessary to protect even the stalks of the reeds that the red panda eats. Panthi says that since it has a shy nature, it should not be disturbed even in the slightest.
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