DHORPATAN (BAGULUNG), April 4: Conservation efforts for the endangered red panda in Nepal's only hunting reserve, Dhorpatan, face increasing challenges. The loss of the red panda's habitat has made it harder to protect the species.
Red pandas live in rhododendron bushes, feeding on their shoots. However, deforestation and fires have destroyed many of these bushes, increasing the risk to the red panda's survival.
Sagar Subedi, a ranger at Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve, stated that the reserve has the highest population of red pandas in Nepal. While an exact count has not been conducted, Subedi estimates that around 300 red pandas live within the reserve. A survey carried out by the reserve in 2017 found a much smaller population, but the number is now estimated to be between 200 and 300, according to Subedi.
Hunters arriving in Dhorpatan as hunting opens for this season
Subedi mentioned that the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation has been asked to conduct a red panda census. He also reported that red pandas have been spotted in areas such as Phagun, Surti Bhang, Sundaha, Barse, Bustung, Dogadi, and Seng Block within the reserve. Compared to the past, red pandas are now seen more frequently, he added.
"Until 2015, we saw red pandas sporadically in Dhorpatan. In the 2017 survey, we found red pandas in all blocks, and now they are found more frequently in many areas," Subedi explained. "We estimate that nearly 300 red pandas live in Dhorpatan, which is more than the number found in national parks across the country."
Saroj Pant, Chief of the Division Forest Office, mentioned that red pandas are also found in the upper forested areas of Baglung, outside the hunting reserve. He pointed out that increasing forest fires, deforestation, and population growth are challenging conservation efforts. Pant emphasized the need for local governments to become more aware and raise awareness among local communities to support better conservation efforts.
Red pandas are primarily found in the eastern regions of Nepal, in the high hills and mountainous areas. Currently, red pandas are found in only 23 districts across the country. Pant also stressed the importance of protecting the rhododendron shoots that red pandas depend on for food. He warned that any disturbance to their environment could have a harmful impact due to the red panda's shy nature.