Dhaulagiri Rural Municipality-3, Myagdi: A rare and endangered Red Panda (Habre) has been spotted in the Banchauredanda forest of Dhaulagiri Rural Municipality. The discovery was made at an elevation of 3,100 meters during a visit by local representatives and staff of the rural municipality.
Red Pandas, which typically inhabit altitudes ranging from 2,000 to 4,800 meters, are listed as endangered species in Nepal. This marks the first documented sighting of a Red Panda in the forest of the former Muna Village Development Committee. Tejindra Pun, an employee of Dhaulagiri Rural Municipality, captured photographs and videos of the animal and shared them with forest technicians.
Bishnu Prasad Adhikari, Chief of the Division Forest Office, Myagdi, confirmed the sighting based on photographs, videos, and droppings collected from the area. “The evidence confirms that Dhaulagiri hosts a habitat for Red Pandas. We will propose conservation programs in collaboration with the Ministry and donor agencies,” he said.
A prior study conducted in 2016, supported by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the Hariyo Ban Program, had identified habitats for Red Pandas in Lulang, Jaljala, Gurja, and Mudi forests but did not record direct sightings. Researcher Badri Baral of Red Panda Network noted that growing conservation awareness has contributed to an increase in Red Panda numbers in these areas.
The local community, particularly students and residents of Gurja and Lulang, have participated in awareness programs to understand the ecological importance of Red Pandas. These nocturnal creatures nest in tree hollows and forage for bamboo shoots and other vegetation during the day.
Prem Prasad Pun, Chair of Dhaulagiri Rural Municipality, emphasized plans to coordinate with forest officials and organizations to launch awareness campaigns and make locals active participants in conservation efforts. He also highlighted the potential to attract tourists for Red Panda observation.
The forests of Gurja, Lulang, and Muna are well-suited for Red Pandas, offering abundant bamboo and other necessary resources. The government of Nepal has included the Red Panda in the protected species list under the National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act, of 2029.
To combat illegal poaching, Nepal imposes strict penalties, including imprisonment of up to 10 years and fines ranging from NPR 100,000 to NPR 500,000.
Globally, Red Pandas are found in Nepal, China, India, Bhutan, and Myanmar. Nepal hosts the Elurens Fusens subspecies and is home to Red Pandas in 24 districts. Recent studies estimate Nepal’s Red Panda population to be between 500 and 1,000, with only 237 confirmed individuals.
Efforts to conserve this rare species continue, with hopes of integrating conservation with eco-tourism in the region.